Restrictive/Non-Restrictive Clauses - JHS

Front

What is a restrictive clause?

Back

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

Front

What is a nonrestrictive clause?

Back

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

Front

Identify the punctuation used for nonrestrictive clauses.

Back

Nonrestrictive clauses are set off by commas.

Front

Identify the punctuation used for restrictive clauses.

Back

Restrictive clauses do not use commas.

Front

Example of a restrictive clause in a sentence.

Back

The book that I borrowed from the library is fascinating.

Front

Example of a nonrestrictive clause in a sentence.

Back

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

Front

How does removing a restrictive clause affect a sentence?

Back

Removing a restrictive clause changes the meaning of the sentence.

Front

How does removing a nonrestrictive clause affect a sentence?

Back

Removing a nonrestrictive clause does not change the main meaning of the sentence.

Front

What is the role of commas in nonrestrictive clauses?

Back

Commas indicate that the information in the nonrestrictive clause is additional and not essential.

Front

What is the role of commas in restrictive clauses?

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Restrictive clauses do not use commas because the information is essential.