Relative clauses

Question

I hope you will understand me =) I'm studying english right now and I have one problem. I don't know what is the diferent between defining and non-defining relative clauses. I know that non-defining clauses use commas but I don't know when I have to use which.

Please help me

Thanks, Jaka

Dave Phillips · Accepted Answer

Yes a non-defining clause has a comma on each side of it and they act like brackets. For example;

The lady, who had just entered the shop, was buying some bread.

If the non-defining clause is missed out the sentence still makes sense; The lady was buying some bread. The middle part gives extra information.

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousI don't know what ~~is the diferent~~ the difference is between defining and non-defining relative clauses.

A defining clause is also called a restrictive clause. A non-defining clause is also called a non-restrictive clause.

A defining relative clause narrows down the meaning of a noun to make it more specific. A non-defining clause just adds extra information about a noun that is already unique.

Defining

You can just say, "the book", but suppose there are several books. Which book are you talking about? You can use a defining clause to specify more exactly which book you are talking about. You can say "the book that is on that little table", or you can say "the book which I gave you last month", or you can say "the book you are reading". The underlined portions are all defining (or restrictive) relative clauses. They all help you to specify more clearly which book you are referring to.

I finally finished the book that I was reading last month. [specifies which book]

The car John bought last week was stolen. [specifies which car]

Karen threw away the two plates that were broken. [specifies which two plates]

Non-defining

But suppose you talk about something that is unique. There is only one of them, so everybody knows which one you mean. The moon, for example. If you say, "the moon", there is no need to use a defining clause to specify more exactly which moon you are talking about. There is only one moon. But you can mention something about the moon in a non-defining relative clause if you wish, like this:

The moon, which is very bright tonight, is about to be covered by clouds.

Note that the underlined non-defining (or non-restrictive) relative clause does not help us to know which moon you are talking about because we already know there is only one moon. The underlined portion simply adds some extra information about the moon we are already familiar with.

Non-defining clauses are very common with proper nouns (Jane, Michael, Mr. Jones, etc.) or with expressions that specify a person exactly (my father, your mother, etc.).

Jane, who is Laura's sister, came to visit me today.
Mr. Franklin, who is the president of Acme Plumbing Company, has been married for 25 years.

Your mother, who I spoke to on the phone recently, asked me to remind you to pick up carrots on your way home.

CJ

Dave Phillips · Answer

Thanks CJ, so much more clearer than my explanation.

CalifJim · Answer

Dave PhillipsThanks CJ, so much more clearer than my explanation.

Thanks!

(more clear or clearer, but not both more and -er!

)

CJ

Dave Phillips · Answer

CalifJim
Dave PhillipsThanks CJ, so much more clearer than my explanation.
Thanks! (more clear or clearer, but not both more and -er! )CJ

Ok- that proves that it's time I went to bed. Its 1.30 here and I've been looking at this monitor since 8 yesterday morning trying to find some work.

Anonymous · Answer

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Relative clauses

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