Lesson Goal
You will learn about defining and non-defining relative clauses. Understand when to use each type of clause.
Key Points
A defining relative clause provides essential information about the noun it modifies. It answers 'which or what?' and doesn't use commas. Example: 'The book that you gave me is great.' A non-defining relative clause adds extra information that isn't necessary to identify the noun. It uses commas. Example: 'Lucy, who is my friend, is coming over.'
Examples
- The car that I bought is new.
- My teacher, who is kind, helped me.
- This is the house where I grew up.
- The woman who called is my aunt.
- We visited the museum, which was interesting.
- The boy whose shoes are blue is my brother.
- This is the song that I love.
- My neighbor, who has a dog, is friendly.
Memory Tips
- 💡 Defining clauses specify; no commas needed.
- 💡 Non-defining add extra info; use commas.
- 💡 Use 'who' for people, 'which' for things.
- 💡 Commas change meaning and structure.
- 💡 Defining tells 'which one'. Non-defining tells 'extra detail'.
- 💡 Practice by identifying essential vs. extra information.
Summary
Defining relative clauses give essential information without commas. Non-defining clauses add extra details with commas.
