Question

The coach, who has ten years' experience, has agreed to lead our team.

Answer 1

Select the answer that explains the difference between the two sentences, as well as the purpose each clause serves for the benefit of the reader.

A. The first sentence contains a noun clause that functions as a predicate nominative; therefore, it renames the subject of the sentence for the reader. The second sentence contains an essential adjective clause that modifies the noun "coach"; therefore, it clarifies for the reader which coach is being discussed.

B. The first sentence contains a nonessential adjective clause that modifies the noun "coach"; therefore, it provides the reader with interesting details about the subject of the sentence. The second sentence contains an essential adjective clause that modifies the noun "coach"; therefore, it clarifies for the reader which coach is being discussed.

C. The first sentence contains a nonessential adjective clause that modifies the noun "coach"; therefore, it provides the reader with interesting details about the subject of the sentence. The second sentence contains a noun clause that functions as a predicate nominative; therefore, it renames the subject of the sentence for the reader.

D. The first sentence contains an adverb clause that modifies the verb "agreed"; therefore, it provides the reader with the answer to the question "when." The second sentence contains an essential adjective clause that modifies the noun "coach"; therefore, it clarifies for the reader which coach is being discussed.

The answer is B

Answer 2

The answer which explains the difference between these two sentences is B. The first sentence contains a nonessential adjective clause that modifies the noun "coach"; therefore, it provides the reader with interesting details about the subject of the sentence. The second sentence contains an essential adjective clause that modifies the noun "coach"; therefore, it clarifies for the reader which coach is being discussed.

A is incorrect because there is no predicate nominative here (a noun following a linking verb, because there are no linking verbs in the sentence), which is also the reason why C is incorrect. Also, D is incorrect because there is no adverb clause.