The primary distinction between restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses lies in the fact that restrictive clauses offer essential information to a sentence, while nonrestrictive clauses provide supplementary information. Both types of clauses are relative clauses, introduced by a relative pronoun, and function as adjectives by identifying and modifying the preceding noun. They can also be referred to as adjective clauses.
Key Takeaways
- Restrictive clauses provide essential information to a sentence, while nonrestrictive clauses offer additional information.
- Nonrestrictive clauses are always separated from the rest of the sentence by commas, while restrictive clauses are not.
- Relative pronouns in most restrictive clauses can be omitted, while they are essential and cannot be omitted in nonrestrictive clauses.
What is a Restrictive Clause?
Restrictive clauses are vital to the meaning of a sentence as they offer crucial information about the noun or noun phrase they modify. They are also known as defining or essential clauses. Since these clauses provide essential information, they are not separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. Removing restrictive clauses from a sentence would affect its overall meaning. In many cases, the relative pronoun in restrictive clauses can be omitted without changing the meaning or grammaticality of the sentence.
What is a Nonrestrictive Clause?
Nonrestrictive clauses, in contrast to restrictive clauses, provide additional or non-essential information to a sentence. Omitting nonrestrictive clauses does not alter the overall meaning of the sentence. Nonrestrictive clauses are always separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. Unlike restrictive clauses, the relative pronouns in nonrestrictive clauses cannot be omitted.
What are the Similarities Between Restrictive and Nonrestrictive Clause?
Both restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses are types of relative clauses and begin with relative pronouns.
What is the Difference Between Restrictive and Nonrestrictive Clause?
The key difference between restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses is that restrictive clauses provide essential information to a sentence, while nonrestrictive clauses offer additional information. Nonrestrictive clauses are separated from the rest of the sentence by commas, while restrictive clauses are not. Another difference is that relative pronouns in most restrictive clauses can be omitted, while relative pronouns in nonrestrictive clauses are essential and cannot be omitted.
Summary – Restrictive vs Nonrestrictive Clause
Restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses are two types of relative clauses. The key difference between restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses is that restrictive clauses provide essential information to a sentence, whereas nonrestrictive clauses offer additional information.
