Master Restrictive & Non-restrictive Clauses – Language Tutor

Understanding Restrictive and Non-Restrictive Clauses

In the English language, mastering the different types of clauses can be a game-changer for your writing and speaking skills. Two crucial types of clauses that often cause confusion are restrictive and non-restrictive clauses. But what exactly are they, and how can you use them to sharpen your grammar? Let’s dive in.

What is a Restrictive Clause?

A restrictive clause, also known as an essential clause, is a part of a sentence that you cannot eliminate without changing the sentence’s core meaning. It ‘restricts’ or defines the noun it follows and is critical to the meaning of the sentence. Restrictive clauses do not have commas framing them.

For example:

• The book that has a red cover is mine.
• Students who study hard get good grades.

In the first example, “that has a red cover” is a restrictive clause telling us which specific book is being referred to. Without this clause, we would not know which book is the speaker’s.

What is a Non-Restrictive Clause?

On the flip side, a non-restrictive clause, also known as a nonessential clause, provides additional information that can be left out without altering the main message of the sentence. It is typically set off from the rest of the sentence by commas.

Consider these examples:

• My backpack, which is heavy with books, is in my locker.
• The pastry, which I bought this morning, was delicious.

Here, the non-restrictive clauses “which is heavy with books” and “which I bought this morning” simply add more information about the noun and taking them out won’t change the primary intent of the sentence.

Distinguishing Between Restrictive and Non-Restrictive Clauses

To decide whether a clause is restrictive or non-restrictive, ask whether taking it out would change the meaning of the sentence. If it would, you have a restrictive clause; if it wouldn’t, you have a non-restrictive clause. Remember, non-restrictive clauses should always be separated by commas, whereas restrictive clauses should not.

Examples:

In the restrictive clause example, the friend we’re talking about is specifically the one living in NY, suggesting the speaker may have multiple friends and is pointing out the musician among them. In the non-restrictive clause example, the speaker only adds information about where their musician friend lives, but it’s not necessary for identifying the friend among others.

Keywords in Action: Restrictive and Non-Restrictive Clause Examples

Let’s put our targeted keywords such as which sentence contains a restrictive clause, restrictive clause, nonrestrictive clause, non restrictive clause, and non-restrictive clause into practice with more examples.

Example Sentences:

• The laptop that has a broken keyboard is out of warranty. (Restrictive)
• Julie’s car, which has a broken keyboard, is still under warranty. (Non-Restrictive)
• The phone that I lost had all my contacts. (Restrictive)
• My neighbor, who is a professional chef, writes a food blog. (Non-Restrictive)

In essence, the choice between a restrictive and non-restrictive clause is about whether the information is vital to the point you’re trying to make. Choose wisely to convey your message accurately!