Parts Of Speech Questions Medium
A restrictive relative clause provides essential information about the noun it modifies, whereas a non-restrictive relative clause provides additional, non-essential information.
In a restrictive relative clause, the information it provides is necessary to identify or define the noun it modifies. It cannot be removed from the sentence without changing the meaning or making the sentence unclear. Restrictive relative clauses are not set off by commas.
Example: The book that is on the table is mine. (The restrictive relative clause "that is on the table" specifies which book is being referred to.)
In contrast, a non-restrictive relative clause adds extra information about the noun it modifies but is not necessary for the sentence's main meaning. It can be removed from the sentence without altering the overall meaning. Non-restrictive relative clauses are set off by commas.
Example: The book, which is red, is mine. (The non-restrictive relative clause "which is red" provides additional information about the book but does not change the main meaning of the sentence.)