Restrictive and Non-Restrictive Clauses

Front

What is a restrictive clause?

Back

A restrictive clause is a part of a sentence that provides essential information about the noun it modifies. It is necessary for the meaning of the sentence and is not set off by commas.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What is a non-restrictive clause?

Back

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

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

Example of a restrictive clause in a sentence.

Back

The book that I borrowed from the library is fascinating.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

Example of a non-restrictive clause in a sentence.

Back

My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us next week.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

How do you identify a restrictive clause?

Back

A restrictive clause can be identified by checking if the sentence loses its meaning without it. If it does, it's restrictive.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

How do you identify a non-restrictive clause?

Back

A non-restrictive clause can be identified by the presence of commas. If the sentence still makes sense without it, it's non-restrictive.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What punctuation is used with non-restrictive clauses?

Back

Non-restrictive clauses are set off by commas.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What punctuation is used with restrictive clauses?

Back

Restrictive clauses do not use commas.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

Why are restrictive clauses important?

Back

They provide essential information that helps to clarify which noun is being referred to.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

Why are non-restrictive clauses useful?

Back

They provide additional information that can enhance the reader's understanding without changing the main point.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B