Restrictive or nonrestrictive where clause in construction
Can you please tell me if I'm right in thinking that the where clause in this sentence is nonrestrictive? In that case, should there be a comma before where here? Or is the where clause revealing crucial information that should be linked to the main clause?
Instead, his eyes flitted to the floor where a tattered book lay open on the carpet.
Top answer
I hear it as restrictive. It's not just any part of the floor, but specifically that part of the floor where the tattered book can be seen. I would not insert a comma.
- I hear it as restrictive.
- It's not just any part of the floor, but specifically that part of the floor where the tattered book can be seen.
- I would not insert a comma.
- Others may have various other interpretations.
- CJ
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
I hear it as restrictive. It's not just any part of the floor, but specifically that part of the floor where the tattered book can be seen. I would not insert a comma.
Others may have various other interpretations.
CJ
0
Related Questions