A nonrestrictive clause is a type of subordinate clause that provides additional information to a sentence but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Nonrestrictive clauses are typically set off by commas, and there are certain words that can signal a nonrestrictive clause in a complex sentence.
What Is A Nonrestrictive Clause?
A nonrestrictive clause is a type of subordinate clause that adds information to a sentence but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Nonrestrictive clauses are typically set off by commas and do not have a specific structure or form. They are often used to provide background information or to give additional details about something.
How To Identify Nonrestrictive Clauses
- That: The word “that” is often used to introduce a nonrestrictive clause. For example: “The house that I bought last year is still in good condition.”
- Which: The word “which” is also used to introduce a nonrestrictive clause. For example: “The car, which I bought last year, is still running well.”
- While: The word “while” is used to introduce a nonrestrictive clause that contrasts two ideas. For example: “My sister works in the city, while I work in the suburbs.”
- Yet: The word “yet” is used to introduce a nonrestrictive clause that contrasts two ideas. For example: “My brother works in the city, yet I work in the suburbs.”
Nonrestrictive clauses can be used to provide additional information to a sentence without changing its meaning. Knowing how to identify nonrestrictive clauses can help writers create clear and effective sentences.
