Defining & Non-defining Relative Clauses

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What is a defining relative clause?

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A defining relative clause provides essential information about the noun it modifies, helping to identify it. For example: 'The book that I borrowed was fascinating.'

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What is a non-defining relative clause?

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A non-defining relative clause adds extra information about a noun but is not essential for understanding the sentence. For example: 'My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us.'

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When can you use 'that' in relative clauses?

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You can use 'that' in defining relative clauses but not in non-defining relative clauses.

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What punctuation is used with non-defining relative clauses?

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Non-defining relative clauses are set off by commas.

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What is the main function of a relative clause?

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The main function of a relative clause is to provide additional information about a noun.

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Can a non-defining relative clause stand alone?

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No, a non-defining relative clause cannot stand alone; it must be part of a larger sentence.

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What is the difference in information provided by defining and non-defining relative clauses?

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Defining relative clauses provide essential information, while non-defining relative clauses provide additional, non-essential information.

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Give an example of a defining relative clause.

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Example: 'The students who study hard will pass the exam.'

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Give an example of a non-defining relative clause.

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Example: 'The Eiffel Tower, which is in Paris, is a famous landmark.'

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What happens if you remove a defining relative clause from a sentence?

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Removing a defining relative clause may change the meaning of the sentence or make it unclear.