Commas
Q. I think I have a pretty clear understanding of restrictive and nonrestrictive adjective clauses, but CMOS 6.36 applies the terms “restrictive” and “nonrestrictive” to what I have been calling adverb clauses (clauses beginning with when, because, if, so that, and many more), and I’m all confused. The “comma for a pause” rule frustrates me because I have no idea whether you and I pause alike. Where can I find guidance about the meaning of “restrictive” and “nonrestrictive” in respect to adverb clauses?
A. You can find explanations in our Q&A archive (just type “restrictive” in the search box). The meaning is the same for adverb and adjective phrases. If a chunk of sentence (whatever it is) delimits or defines a subject or verb or main clause, it’s restrictive; if it merely tacks on some extra information, it’s nonrestrictive. As for commas and pauses, that’s the great thing about writing: you get to write in your voice and I get to write in mine. I hope you pause in different places—it makes us both special.
