English Grammar: Defining Clauses

Defining Clauses

• A defining clause, also known as a restrictive clause, provides essential information about the noun it modifies.
• It tells us which specific person or thing is being referred to.
• Defining clauses are not separated from the main clause by commas.
• They are usually introduced by the relative pronouns:
  • who (for people)
  • which (for animals and things)
  • that (for people, animals, and things)
• Examples:
  • The book that is on the table is mine.
  • The student who is sitting in the front row is very smart.

Non-defining Clauses

• A non-defining clause, also known as a non-restrictive clause, provides additional information about the noun it modifies.
• It adds extra details about the noun, but does not specify which one is being referred to.
• Non-defining clauses are separated from the main clause by commas.
• They are usually introduced by the relative pronouns:
  • who (for people)
  • which (for animals and things)
  • whose (for possession)
• Examples:
  • The teacher, who is standing at the board, is explaining the lesson.
  • The book, which is on the shelf, is my favorite novel.

Note: The difference between defining and non-defining clauses lies in the use of commas and the type of information provided. Defining clauses are essential to the sentence's meaning, while non-defining clauses add extra information.

Defining Clauses

• Provide essential information about the noun they modify, specifying which person or thing is being referred to.
• Introduced by relative pronouns:
  • who (for people)
  • which (for animals and things)
  • that (for people, animals, and things)
• Not separated from the main clause by commas.
• Examples:
  • The book that is on the table is mine.
  • The student who is sitting in the front row is very smart.

Non-defining Clauses

• Provide additional information about the noun they modify, adding extra details.
• Separated from the main clause by commas.
• Introduced by relative pronouns:
  • who (for people)
  • which (for animals and things)
  • whose (for possession)
• Examples:
  • The teacher, who is standing at the board, is explaining the lesson.
  • The book, which is on the shelf, is my favorite novel.
• Difference between defining and non-defining clauses:
  • Defining clauses are essential to the sentence's meaning.
  • Non-defining clauses add extra information.
  • Use of commas distinguishes between the two types.