Defining and non-defining relative clauses June 25th, 2013 in English Learning A clause which clearly defines the antecedent is known as a defining relative clause. (The antecedent is the noun that the relative pronoun refers to.) On the other hand, a clause which merely gives additional information about the antecedent is known as a non-defining relative clause. Examples of defining relative clauses are: Charles Dickens is a writer whom the whole world admires. The book which you gave me is very interesting. The diamond necklace which I bought for my wife was very expensive. Examples of non-defining relative clauses are: My brother, who lives in Canada, is an accomplished painter. Raj, who is my friend, is a handsome guy. Notes The relative pronoun introducing a defining relative clause can be omitted in an informal style. The diamond necklace I bought for my wife was very expensive. The relative pronoun introducing a non-defining relative clause cannot be omitted. Maria, who babysits my kids, is my aunt’s daughter. (NOT Maria, babysits my kids, is my aunt’s daughter.) The relative pronoun cannot be omitted in a non-defining relative clause. If the non-defining relative clause occurs in the middle of the sentence, it must be preceded and followed by a comma. My son, who makes models from clay, has won many prices. This use of the comma often distinguishes between defining and non-defining relative clauses..
