Defining Relative Clauses vs. Non-Defining V

Attribute	Defining Relative Clauses	Non-Defining V
Function	Provide essential information about the noun they modify	Provide additional, non-essential information about the noun they modify
Use of commas	No commas are used to separate the clause from the rest of the sentence	Commas are used to set off the clause from the rest of the sentence
Restrictiveness	Restrictive, meaning they limit or define the noun being modified	Non-restrictive, meaning they do not limit or define the noun being modified

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 modify. These clauses cannot be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence. Defining relative clauses are usually introduced by relative pronouns such as "who," "which," or "that." For example, in the sentence "The book that I bought is on the table," the relative clause "that I bought" is essential to identifying which book is being referred to.

Defining relative clauses are often used to specify or identify a particular noun in a sentence. They help to distinguish one noun from others of the same kind. Defining relative clauses can refer to both people and things, and they are commonly used in both spoken and written English. It is important to note that defining relative clauses do not require commas to separate them from the rest of the sentence.

Another key characteristic of defining relative clauses is that they do not add extra information to the sentence. Instead, they provide essential details that are crucial to understanding the meaning of the sentence as a whole. Defining relative clauses are restrictive in nature, as they limit the scope of the noun they modify. Without a defining relative clause, the sentence may lack clarity or specificity.

In summary, defining relative clauses are necessary for identifying or specifying a particular noun in a sentence. They are essential to the meaning of the sentence and cannot be omitted without changing the intended message. Defining relative clauses are restrictive in nature and do not add extra information to the sentence.

Non-Defining Relative Clauses

Non-defining relative clauses, on the other hand, provide additional information about a noun in a sentence but are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. These clauses can be omitted without altering the core message of the sentence. Non-defining relative clauses are usually introduced by relative pronouns such as "who," "which," or "whose." For example, in the sentence "My sister, who lives in Paris, is coming to visit," the relative clause "who lives in Paris" provides extra information about the sister but does not change the main idea of the sentence.

Non-defining relative clauses are often used to add descriptive or non-essential details to a sentence. They provide additional context or background information about the noun they modify. Non-defining relative clauses can refer to both people and things, and they are commonly used in written English, especially in formal writing. It is important to note that non-defining relative clauses are set off by commas to separate them from the rest of the sentence.

Unlike defining relative clauses, non-defining relative clauses do not restrict or limit the meaning of the noun they modify. Instead, they provide extra information that is interesting or helpful but not crucial to understanding the main message of the sentence. Non-defining relative clauses are non-restrictive in nature, as they do not change the core meaning of the sentence if omitted.

In summary, non-defining relative clauses provide additional, non-essential information about a noun in a sentence. They can be omitted without altering the main message of the sentence. Non-defining relative clauses are non-restrictive in nature and add extra context or background information to the sentence.

Comparison

While defining and non-defining relative clauses serve different purposes, they both play important roles in English grammar. Defining relative clauses are essential for identifying or specifying a particular noun in a sentence, while non-defining relative clauses provide additional, non-essential information about a noun. Defining relative clauses are restrictive and cannot be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence, whereas non-defining relative clauses are non-restrictive and can be omitted without altering the core message of the sentence.

Defining relative clauses are typically used to distinguish one noun from others of the same kind, while non-defining relative clauses are used to add descriptive or background information. Defining relative clauses do not require commas to separate them from the rest of the sentence, while non-defining relative clauses are set off by commas. Both types of relative clauses are introduced by relative pronouns such as "who," "which," or "that."

Overall, defining relative clauses are necessary for providing essential information about a noun, while non-defining relative clauses offer additional context or detail. Understanding the differences between defining and non-defining relative clauses is crucial for effective communication in English writing and speaking.