Short Answer
Non-restrictive clauses provide additional, non-essential information and are set off by commas, while restrictive clauses are essential for meaning and do not use commas. Recognizing these differences is important for clear writing.
Step 1: Understand Non-Restrictive Clauses
A non-restrictive clause adds extra information about a noun but does not change the overall meaning of the sentence. This type of clause is often set off by commas. For example, in the sentence “My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting,” the clause “who lives in New York” provides additional information but isn’t essential.
Step 2: Recognize Restrictive Clauses
A restrictive clause, in contrast, is vital for the sentence’s meaning and identifies or limits the noun it describes. Removing a restrictive clause alters the sentence’s meaning significantly. For instance, in “The book that I borrowed was fascinating,” the clause “that I borrowed” is necessary to specify which book is being referred to.
Step 3: Distinguish Between the Two Types
It’s crucial to identify non-restrictive and restrictive clauses correctly in writing. Here are key points to remember:
- Non-restrictive clauses are optional and use commas.
- Restrictive clauses are essential and do not use commas.
- Understanding these differences enhances clarity in your writing.