Restrictive – Explanation, Types and Its Uses

Restrictive and No Restrictive Elements 

Relative clauses have two categories: 

• Restrictive 
• Non Restrictive

1. Restrictive:  

• Suppose you create a relative clause that is necessary in order to understand. It is called Restrictive. 
• It restricts or limits the noun it is talking about. 
• A restrictive clause is necessary to the meaning of the sentences. 
• It doesn’t use any commas.  

2. Non-restrictive:  

• If you create a relative clause that is not necessary in order to understand but adds additional information, it is called Nonrestrictive. 
• It doesn’t restrict or limit the noun it is talking about but adds additional info. 
• Nonrestrictive is a clause that is not necessary but simply adds more information. 
• Here commas are used. 

Use of  “That” : 

• “That” always begins a restrictive clause. 
• Don’t use commas to set off a relative clause that begins with “That”. 

Use of “Which” : 

• “Which” typically begins a Non-restrictive clause. 

• Typically, you will use commas to set off a relative clause that begins with “Which”. 

Use of “Who” : 

• It always refers to people 
• If you are referring to things, use ‘that’ or ‘which’ instead of ‘who’.