Defining Relative Clauses vs. Non-Defining Relative Clauses

Attribute	Defining Relative Clauses	Non-Defining Relative Clauses
Essential to the meaning of the sentence	Yes	No
Commas used to separate from the main clause	No	Yes
Cannot be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence	Yes	No
Usually provides necessary information about the noun it modifies	Yes	No

Introduction

Relative clauses are a crucial part of English grammar that provide additional information about a noun in a sentence. There are two main types of relative clauses: defining relative clauses and non-defining relative clauses. While both types serve a similar purpose, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the differences between defining and non-defining relative clauses in detail.

Defining Relative Clauses

Defining relative clauses are essential to the meaning of a sentence as they provide necessary information about the noun they are modifying. These clauses cannot be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence. For example, in the sentence "The book that I bought is on the table," the defining relative clause "that I bought" specifies which book is being referred to. Defining relative clauses are usually introduced by relative pronouns such as "that," "which," or "who."

Another key characteristic of defining relative clauses is that they do not require commas to separate them from the rest of the sentence. This is because the information provided by a defining relative clause is crucial to understanding the noun it modifies. In academic writing and formal contexts, defining relative clauses are commonly used to add specificity and clarity to a sentence.

Defining relative clauses can also be restrictive in nature, as they limit the scope of the noun they modify. By including a defining relative clause, the speaker or writer is indicating that the information provided is essential to identifying the noun. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures that the intended meaning is clear to the reader or listener.

Furthermore, defining relative clauses are often used to avoid repetition in a sentence. Instead of repeating the noun multiple times, a defining relative clause can be used to provide additional information about the noun in a concise manner. This makes the sentence more cohesive and easier to understand for the audience.

In summary, defining relative clauses are integral to the meaning of a sentence, do not require commas for separation, are restrictive in nature, and help to avoid repetition in writing.

Non-Defining Relative Clauses

Non-defining relative clauses, on the other hand, provide additional information about a noun but are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. These clauses can be omitted without affecting the overall message of the sentence. For example, in the sentence "My sister, who lives in Paris, is coming to visit," the non-defining relative clause "who lives in Paris" adds extra information about the sister but does not change the main idea of the sentence.

Unlike defining relative clauses, non-defining relative clauses are set off by commas to separate them from the rest of the sentence. This punctuation serves to indicate that the information provided by the non-defining relative clause is supplementary rather than integral to understanding the noun it modifies. In informal writing and conversation, non-defining relative clauses are commonly used to provide additional details or background information.

Non-defining relative clauses are non-restrictive in nature, meaning that they do not limit the scope of the noun they modify. Instead, they offer extra information that enriches the reader's understanding of the noun. While defining relative clauses are more common in formal writing, non-defining relative clauses are often used in storytelling or descriptive writing to add depth and complexity to a sentence.

Furthermore, non-defining relative clauses are typically introduced by relative pronouns such as "who," "which," or "whose." These pronouns help to connect the non-defining relative clause to the noun it modifies and clarify the relationship between the two. By using non-defining relative clauses, writers can provide context and background information that enhances the reader's experience.

In conclusion, non-defining relative clauses are not essential to the meaning of a sentence, are set off by commas, are non-restrictive in nature, and are commonly used to provide additional details or background information in writing.