What is the function of 'that' in non-defining relative clauses?

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What is the function of 'that' in non-defining relative clauses?

In non-defining relative clauses, the function of 'that' is to introduce additional information about the noun it modifies. Unlike defining relative clauses, which provide essential information to identify the noun, non-defining relative clauses provide extra details that are not necessary for understanding the main meaning of the sentence. 'That' is used as a relative pronoun to connect the relative clause to the main clause and indicate that the information provided is non-essential.

For example:
- The Eiffel Tower, which is located in Paris, is a famous landmark. (non-defining relative clause)
- The book that I borrowed from the library is very interesting. (defining relative clause)

In the first example, the non-defining relative clause "which is located in Paris" provides additional information about the Eiffel Tower, but it does not change the main meaning of the sentence. The use of 'which' instead of 'that' indicates that the information is non-essential.

In the second example, the defining relative clause "that I borrowed from the library" is essential to identify which book is being referred to. The use of 'that' instead of 'which' indicates that the information is necessary for understanding the sentence.

Therefore, in non-defining relative clauses, 'that' functions as a relative pronoun to introduce additional, non-essential information about the noun it modifies.