Restrictive and Non-Restrictive Relative Clauses

1. Restrictive and Non-Restrictive Relative Clauses Syntax2013.2

2. Modification of the noun head can be restrictive or non-restrictive. If the head is viewed as a member of a class which can be linguistically identified only through the modification that has been supplied, then such modification is actually necessary, and we call it restrictive. Or it can be viewed as unique or as a member of a class that has been independently identified; any modification given to such a head is additional information which is not essential for identifying the head, and we call it non-restrictive.

3. Restrictive and Non Restrictive For example: The box which is on the tablehas got biscuits in. Mary Smith, who is in the corner, wants to meet you.

4. Restrictive and Non Restrictive In sentence (1), the noun head (box)is post modified by a restrictive relative clause, which gives essential information about this head, making it possible to identify it. The noun head (Mary Smith) in sentence (2) is post modified by a non-restrictive relative clause(set off by commas) since Mary Smith’s identity is independent of whether or not she is in the corner, though the information on her present location may be useful.

5. Restrictive and Non Restrictive Now discuss the differences in meaning between two otherwise identical sentences due to the omission or insertion of commas. a) They have two children who are still at school. b) They have two children, who are still at school.

6. Restrictive and Non Restrictive a) Come and meet my wife who is a painter. b) Come and meet my wife,who is a painter. a) The pretty girl who is a typist is Mary Smith. b) The pretty girl, who is a typist, is Mary Smith.