Relative Clauses: Restrictive vs. Non-Restrictive Practice

Front

What is a relative clause?

Back

A relative clause is a group of words that describes a noun and usually begins with a relative pronoun like 'who', 'which', or 'that'.

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What is the difference between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses?

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Restrictive clauses provide essential information about a noun, while non-restrictive clauses add extra information that can be omitted without changing the sentence's meaning.

Front

What is a restrictive clause?

Back

A restrictive clause is a type of relative clause that is essential to the meaning of the sentence. It cannot be removed without changing the sentence's meaning.

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What is a non-restrictive clause?

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A non-restrictive clause is a type of relative clause that adds extra information to a sentence but is not essential to its meaning. It is usually set off by commas.

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Identify the relative clause in this sentence: 'The book that I borrowed was fascinating.'

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The relative clause is 'that I borrowed'.

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Identify the relative clause in this sentence: 'My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting.'

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The relative clause is 'who lives in New York'.

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What is a relative pronoun?

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A relative pronoun is a word that introduces a relative clause, such as 'who', 'whom', 'whose', 'which', or 'that'.

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Provide an example of a restrictive clause in a sentence.

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Example: 'The car that is parked outside is mine.' (The clause 'that is parked outside' is essential to identify which car.)

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Provide an example of a non-restrictive clause in a sentence.

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Example: 'My sister, who is a doctor, lives in California.' (The clause 'who is a doctor' adds extra information but is not essential.)

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What punctuation is typically used with non-restrictive clauses?

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Non-restrictive clauses are usually set off by commas.