Defining & Non-Defining Relative Clauses! :-)))

Dear Kids,

Defining Clause is something that tells us more about the subject of the sentence.
Non-defining clause just adds extra information, which is not so relevant to the subject.

E.g.,  I am going to see the movie this Friday.
 Here `this Friday', says when I'm going to watch, something relevant to what is being talked about, that is the movie.

But, if I say, I am going to the movie `I' directed by Shankar,

 
Then, `I, directed by Shankar' is a non- defining relative clause, which gives extra information about the movie `I', which is irrelevant , just an extra piece of unwanted information. It just adds spice to my sentence.

The key is to identify which is relevant to the subject and which is irrelevant.

Examples:

1. (a) My brother is in London. - Defining

1. (b) My brother, who was born on July 22, stays in London. - Non- Defining .

2. (a) He is the most well read in my circle of friends. - Defining.

2. (b) He is the most well read in my circle of friends and lives in Sainikpuri. - Non- Defining.

3. (a) The one with the lovely blue eyes, wearing a red skirt and black top is my sister. - Non-defining.

3. (b) The one with (any one of the above-mentioned adjectives) lovely blue eyes, is my sibling.

GOTTA GO! Exercises in next post!


Everyone's friend,

Lakshmi. :-)))

DISCLAIMER: Countercheck with your teachers!