Restrictive & Nonrestrictive Clauses

Front

What is a restrictive clause?

Back

A restrictive clause is a part of a sentence that provides essential information about the noun it modifies. It is necessary for the meaning of the sentence and does not require commas. Example: "The book that I borrowed is on the table."

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 usually set off by commas. Example: "My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting this weekend."

Front

How do you punctuate a nonrestrictive clause?

Back

A nonrestrictive clause is punctuated with commas before and after the clause. Example: "The car, which is red, belongs to my sister."

Front

How do you punctuate a restrictive clause?

Back

A restrictive clause is not set off by commas because it is essential to the meaning of the sentence. Example: "The car that is red belongs to my sister."

Front

What is the difference between 'that' and 'which'?

Back

Use 'that' for restrictive clauses and 'which' for nonrestrictive clauses. Example: "The book that I read was interesting." vs. "The book, which I read last week, was interesting."

Front

Identify the clause: 'The dog that barked all night kept me awake.'

Back

The clause 'that barked all night' is a restrictive clause because it specifies which dog is being referred to.

Front

Identify the clause: 'My sister, who is a doctor, lives in Chicago.'

Back

The clause 'who is a doctor' is a nonrestrictive clause because it adds extra information about my sister.

Front

True or False: Nonrestrictive clauses need commas.

Back

True. Nonrestrictive clauses are set off by commas.

Front

True or False: Restrictive clauses need commas.

Back

False. Restrictive clauses do not need commas.

Front

What is an example of a sentence with a restrictive clause?

Back

Example: "The students who study hard will pass the exam." The clause 'who study hard' is essential to identify which students.