Defining and Non-defining Relative Clauses.

 

Defining Relative Clauses:

Definition: Defining relative clauses provide essential information about the noun they modify. They define which specific person, thing, or group is being referred to.

Usage: They are not separated by commas and are crucial for identifying the noun they describe.

• Example: "The book that I bought yesterday is on the table." (Here, "that I bought yesterday" defines which book is being talked about.) 

Non-Defining Relative Clauses:

Definition: Non-defining relative clauses provide additional information about a noun that is already clearly identified. This additional information is not essential to understanding the main clause.

Usage: They are separated by commas and can be omitted without changing the main meaning of the sentence.

• Example: "My brother, who is a doctor, lives in New York." (Here, "who is a doctor" provides extra information about the brother but does not define which brother is being referred to.) 

Understanding when to use defining versus non-defining relative clauses is crucial for clear and precise communication in English.

Defining and Non-defining Relative Clauses.  Drag and Drop Exercise 👇

who

is

football

The

plays

my

boy

cousin.