English Grammar Questions Long
A restrictive clause, also known as an essential or defining clause, is a type of clause that provides essential information to the sentence. It restricts or limits the meaning of the noun it modifies and cannot be removed from the sentence without changing its meaning. Restrictive clauses are not set off by commas.
Example of a restrictive clause:
- The book that I borrowed from the library is due tomorrow.
In this sentence, the restrictive clause "that I borrowed from the library" is essential to identify which book is being referred to. Without this clause, the sentence would be incomplete and ambiguous.
On the other hand, a non-restrictive clause, also known as a non-essential or non-defining clause, provides additional information about the noun it modifies but is not necessary for the sentence's basic meaning. Non-restrictive clauses are set off by commas.
Example of a non-restrictive clause:
- My sister, who is a doctor, just got promoted.
In this sentence, the non-restrictive clause "who is a doctor" provides additional information about the noun "my sister." However, if we remove this clause, the sentence would still be grammatically correct and convey the main idea that my sister got promoted.
To summarize, the main difference between a restrictive and a non-restrictive clause lies in their necessity for the sentence's meaning. Restrictive clauses are essential and cannot be omitted without altering the sentence's intended message, while non-restrictive clauses provide extra information but can be removed without affecting the sentence's core meaning.