Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics:
* Modifies another word or group of words: It provides additional information or detail about a noun or pronoun.
* Does not include essential identifying information: This means the phrase is optional. The sentence would still make sense grammatically if you removed the phrase. The phrase simply adds extra information for clarity or emphasis.
* Set off by commas: Nonrestrictive modifiers are typically set off by commas, dashes, or parentheses to distinguish them from essential modifiers.
Example:
* Restrictive: "The dog that barked at me is brown." (This phrase is essential to identify which dog is being discussed.)
* Nonrestrictive: "The dog, which is brown, barked at me." (This phrase provides extra information but is not essential to identify the dog.)
Let me know if you have any other questions!