Short Answer
A restrictive clause is essential for clarifying which noun is being referred to in a sentence, as it provides necessary context without being set off by commas. Recognizing these clauses is important for interpreting meaning accurately, as they directly modify the noun and offer crucial information.
Step 1: Identify the Restrictive Clause
A restrictive clause is essential for providing crucial information about a noun in a sentence. In the example, “I chose the player who ran fastest,” the clause “who ran fastest” specifies which player is being referenced. This means it directly affects the meaning of the noun, enhancing clarity.
Step 2: Understand the Role of the Restrictive Clause
The purpose of a restrictive clause is to limit the meaning of the noun or noun phrase, offering additional context that is necessary to grasp the complete idea. In the context of the sentence, the restrictive clause informs the reader about which player was chosen based on specific criteria. Key characteristics include:
- It provides essential information.
- It is not separated by commas.
- It modifies the noun directly.
Step 3: Determine the Correct Option
In the given scenario, the evaluation of the sentence leads to the conclusion that option four is correct. This is because it introduces new and necessary information about the chosen player without any unnecessary punctuation. Therefore, it’s important to recognize such clauses to accurately interpret the sentence and choose the right answer.