A nonrestrictive relative clause is a relative clause also called an adjective clause that adds nonessential information to a sentence. The distinction between restrictive or integrated relative clauses and non-restrictive or supplementary relative clauses in English is shown not only in speaking through prosody but also in writing through punctuation.
In other words a nonrestrictive relative clause also known as a non-defining relative clause doesnt limit or restrict the noun or noun phrase it modifies.
What is a nonrestrictive clause. Nonrestrictive Adjective Clauses An adjective clause set off from the main clause by commas one comma if at the beginning or end of a sentence is said to be nonrestrictive. Punctuation and relative pronoun choices for restrictive and non-restrictive adjective clausesI teach English to adult international students immigrants a. Real-Life Examples of Restrictive Clauses It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues.
They are both types of relative clauses because the information they provide relates to the subject of. These terms are more intuitive because defining a noun is a clearer idea than restricting a noun. Nonrestrictive clauses are the opposite of restrictive clauses.
In other words if this clause or phrase were to be taken out of your sentence the essential meaning behind the sentence would stay the same. In This year which has been dry is bad for crops the clause which has been dry is a nonrestrictive clause. An adjective clause is restrictive also called essential if it narrows down the word it modifies.
On the other hand a nonrestrictive clause is a clause that just purely adds additional information to any given sentence or clause. Functionally the main difference between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses is that the latter is offset with a comma. A nonrestrictive clause also known as a nonessential clause is a type of adjective clause that provides additional information about a word whose meaning is already clear.
Nonrestrictive clauses should be set off by commas in your sentences. Restrictive clauses are often called defining clauses and non-restrictive clauses are often called non-defining clauses. A relative clause that describes or supplements but is not essential in establishing the identity of the antecedent and is usually set off by commas in English.
A non-restrictive relative clause is preceded by a pause in speech and a comma in writing whereas a restrictive clause is not. According to the rules of grammar non-restrictive clauses should begin with the words which or who. Since this information is additional omitting nonrestrictive clauses do not create a change in the overall meaning of the sentences.
Correspondingly what is an example of a nonrestrictive clause. Restrictive clauses are also known as essential clauses and nonrestrictive clauses are known as nonessential clauses. What is a Nonrestrictive Clause.
Because restrictive clauses provide key identifying information they are often referred to as essential clauses and nonrestrictive clauses are also called nonessential clauses for the opposite reason. It tells which one of the noun you are writing about. Definition of nonrestrictive clause.
I live on Main Street in the house which is red. For example I would like to thank my mom Jane Doe for all her help last year. Writers are with increasing frequency neglecting to appreciate the distinction thereby undermining the effectiveness of the language they use.
A descriptive clause that is not essential to the definiteness of the meaning of the word it modifies such as who is retired in my father who is retired does volunteer work First Known Use of nonrestrictive clause 1916 in the meaning defined above. The terminology in this area of grammar can be confusing so lets get that out of the way. A nonrestrictive adjective clause is simply adding extra informationNonrestrictive adjective clauses need commas around them.
These are clauses that add additional or non-essential information to a sentence. A nonessential or nonrestrictive clause is parenthetical presenting additional information that is not necessary for reader comprehension. A nonrestrictive clause often begins with the word which and are always set off with commas.
A non-restrictive clause describes a noun or pronoun providing additional information that is not necessarily essential to the meaning of the sentence. A nonrestrictivenonessential clause is a clause that does not limit the essential meaning of the element that it modifies. Know more about it here.
One thing you might have noticed in my two examples is switching between that and which.
