Defining and Non-Defining Relative Clauses

Front

What is a defining relative clause?

Back

A defining relative clause provides essential information about the noun it modifies. It is necessary for understanding the sentence's meaning. Example: "The book that I borrowed was interesting."

Front

What is a non-defining relative clause?

Back

A non-defining relative clause adds extra information about a noun but is not essential to the sentence's meaning. It is usually set off by commas. Example: "My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting."

Front

What is the purpose of commas in non-defining relative clauses?

Back

Commas are used to separate non-defining relative clauses from the main clause, indicating that the information is additional and not essential. Example: "The car, which is red, belongs to my sister."

Front

How do you identify a defining relative clause in a sentence?

Back

A defining relative clause can often be identified by the absence of commas and its role in specifying which noun is being referred to. Example: "The teacher who helps me is very kind."

Front

What is the difference between 'who' and 'whom'?

Back

'Who' is used as the subject of a verb, while 'whom' is used as the object of a verb or preposition. Example: "Who is coming to dinner?" vs. "To whom should I address the letter?"

Front

When should you use 'that' instead of 'which'?

Back

Use 'that' for defining relative clauses and 'which' for non-defining relative clauses. Example: "The book that I read was great." vs. "The book, which I read last year, was great."

Front

What is an example of a sentence with a defining relative clause?

Back

"The student who studies hard will pass the exam." Here, 'who studies hard' defines which student is being referred to.

Front

What is an example of a sentence with a non-defining relative clause?

Back

"My dog, who is very friendly, loves to play fetch." The clause 'who is very friendly' adds extra information about the dog.

Front

How do you punctuate a non-defining relative clause?

Back

You should place commas before and after the non-defining relative clause. Example: "My sister, who is a doctor, lives in London."

Front

What is the role of relative pronouns in relative clauses?

Back

Relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) introduce relative clauses and connect them to the main clause, providing more information about a noun.