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Restrictive and Nonrestrictive Clauses
Relative clauses that provide essential or identifying information are called restrictive (or necessary) relative clauses. Relative clauses that provide additional information are called nonrestrictive (or unnecessary) relative clauses.
which versus that
That introduces restrictive clauses, and which introduces nonrestrictive clauses. We never put a comma before that and we always put a comma before which. In conversational English, which and that are used interchangeably. However, in writing, there is a clear distinction between them.
Valentine's Day, which we celebrate on February 14th, is a holiday of love. (Nonrestrictive clause because the relative clause provides extra information)
The flowers that are placed in the yellow vase are mine. (Maybe there are other vases, so it is necessary to identify the vase. Thus, it's a restrictive clause.)
who, whom, whose, where, when
Restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses are also used with who, whom, whose, where, when. No punctuation is used with restrictive clauses (necessary information). Nonrestrictive clauses (additional information) are separated by a comma.
My boyfriend, whom I met two years ago, proposed to me last night. (Nonrestrictive clause because it's the only boyfriend she has)
The evening when he proposed to me was romantic and unforgettable.
(Restrictive clause because it's one specific evening)
Reduced Relative Clauses
If relative pronouns (who, whom, which, that) function as objects in relative clauses, we can omit them.
The email (that) he sent was never received.
The girl (whom) he loves lives in a different country.
In relative clauses with auxiliary be as part of progressive or passive constructions, relative pronouns can be deleted.
The restaurant (that is) located near my home is expensive.
A girl (who is) taking chocolates out of a heart-shaped box has never had such a tasty treat in her life.
In relative clause with have or have not, the relative pronoun and have/have not can be deleted and replaced with with or without.
People who have no compassion are called heartless. People without compassion are called heartless.
Using relative clauses to comment on an entire idea
He had forgotten to make dinner reservations, which was a big mistake.
(He had forgotten to make dinner reservations. This was a big mistake.)
Quantifying expressions
She bought a few beautiful dresses, one of which she will be wearing tonight.
(She bought a few beautiful dresses. She will be wearing one of them tonight.)
I have many loyal friends, each of whom I greatly appreciate.
(I have many loyal friends. I greatly appreciate each one of them.)
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＜ハイブリッドクラス＞ IGEアメリカ 平田貞美
現役留学生コラム Vol. 142
