Can relative clauses be used in both restrictive and non-restrictive contexts?

Relative Clauses Questions Medium



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Can relative clauses be used in both restrictive and non-restrictive contexts?

Yes, relative clauses can be used in both restrictive and non-restrictive contexts.

In a restrictive context, the relative clause provides essential information that is necessary to identify or define the noun it modifies. It restricts the meaning of the noun and cannot be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence. For example, in the sentence "The book that is on the table is mine," the relative clause "that is on the table" restricts the meaning of the noun "book" and specifies which book is being referred to.

In a non-restrictive context, the relative clause provides additional, non-essential information about the noun it modifies. It adds extra details or descriptions but does not limit or define the noun. Non-restrictive relative clauses are usually set off by commas or parentheses. For example, in the sentence "My sister, who is a doctor, lives in New York," the relative clause "who is a doctor" provides additional information about the noun "sister" but does not restrict or define it.

Therefore, relative clauses can be used in both restrictive and non-restrictive contexts, depending on the intended meaning and the level of essentiality of the information they provide.