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 cannot be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence.

Front

What is a nonrestrictive clause?

Back

A nonrestrictive clause adds extra information to a sentence but is not essential to its meaning. It can be removed without altering the main idea.

Front

How do you identify a restrictive clause in a sentence?

Back

A restrictive clause usually does not have commas and is necessary to understand which specific noun is being referred to.

Front

How do you identify a nonrestrictive clause in a sentence?

Back

A nonrestrictive clause is set off by commas and provides additional information that can be omitted without changing the sentence's meaning.

Front

Does a restrictive clause require commas?

Back

No, a restrictive clause does not require commas.

Front

Does a nonrestrictive clause require commas?

Back

Yes, a nonrestrictive clause requires commas.

Front

Example of a restrictive clause:

Back

The book that I borrowed from the library is fascinating.

Front

Example of a nonrestrictive clause:

Back

My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us next week.

Front

What happens if you remove a restrictive clause from a sentence?

Back

Removing a restrictive clause changes the meaning of the sentence or makes it unclear.

Front

What happens if you remove a nonrestrictive clause from a sentence?

Back

Removing a nonrestrictive clause does not change the main meaning of the sentence.