Final answer:
A nonrestrictive clause adds extra, nonessential information to a sentence, contains a subject and a verb, and is typically set off by commas.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristics of a nonrestrictive clause include that it:
- Is set off by commas.
- Contains a subject and a verb.
- Adds nonessential information to the sentence.
A nonrestrictive clause, also known as a nonessential clause, provides additional information that can be omitted without changing the overall meaning of the sentence. This type of clause is usually set apart by commas to indicate to the reader that the information is supplementary. Although a nonrestrictive clause includes a subject and a verb, its removal should leave the main point of the sentence intact. For example, in the sentence "The coat, which is red, is on the chair," the clause "which is red" is nonrestrictive and adds extra detail but is not essential to understanding the main idea that the coat is on the chair.