Module 5.3: Restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses Flashcards
What are the two types of relative clauses?
Restrictive relative clauses and nonrestrictive relative clauses
Restrictive clauses modify a noun to identify it, while nonrestrictive clauses provide nonessential information.
What is the purpose of restrictive relative clauses?
To modify a word to identify what it denotes
They are essential to the meaning of the sentence and cannot be removed without changing its sense.
True or False: Restrictive relative clauses can be removed without affecting the meaning of the sentence.
False
Removing a restrictive clause changes the meaning of the sentence.
Provide an example of a restrictive relative clause.
The man in the crowd who has jelly on his head is the clown.
The clause ‘who has jelly on his head’ identifies a specific individual.
What do nonrestrictive relative clauses provide?
Nonessential information about the noun
They can be removed without affecting the meaning of the sentence.
How are nonrestrictive relative clauses punctuated?
They are set apart from the main clause using commas
Example: The man in the ring, who has 62 pairs of shoes, is the clown.
True or False: Nonrestrictive clauses can come at the end of a sentence.
True
Example: The clown lost all his shoes in a fire, which was unfortunate.
What is the key distinction in using ‘that’ and ‘which’ in relative clauses?
‘That’ is used for restrictive clauses, while ‘which’ is used for nonrestrictive clauses.
This distinction can depend on the English dialect.
In American English, which term is preferred for restrictive relative clauses?
‘That’
Example: The balloon that you popped was mine.
In which dialects can ‘that’ or ‘which’ be used for restrictive clauses?
British and Australian English
Example: The balloon that/which you popped was mine.
Fill in the blank: Nonrestrictive relative clauses are set apart from the main clause using _______.
commas
This helps to indicate that the information is nonessential.
