Thank you.
I also have problems differenciating defining and non-defining relative clauses. I know that the non-defining go between commas but when I have to do exercises combing sentences I don't know whether to make a defining or a non-defining.
Example: The student was punished by the teacher. His mobile rang during the lesson.
The student whose mobile rang during the lesson was punished by the teacher.
My teacher tells me that it is defining but I don't understand why.
non-defining relative clauses
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juniebj
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Alan
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Re: non-defining relative clauses
Well, at the risk of telling you something that you appear already to know, it can be regarded as defining simply because it lacks commas!
The essential sequence of decision-making regarding relative clause-types is as follows:
(1)Do I need the relative clause to IDENTIFY/DISTINGUISH one specific referent from one/more other possible referents?
(2) If YES, then you need a defining (a.k.a. restrictive) clause, and commas are not required.
(3) If NO, then you need a non-defining (nonrestrictive) clause (for which commas are required).
I hope that helps!
The essential sequence of decision-making regarding relative clause-types is as follows:
(1)Do I need the relative clause to IDENTIFY/DISTINGUISH one specific referent from one/more other possible referents?
(2) If YES, then you need a defining (a.k.a. restrictive) clause, and commas are not required.
(3) If NO, then you need a non-defining (nonrestrictive) clause (for which commas are required).
I hope that helps!