Examples of Non-Defining Relative Clauses Set Off by Commas

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 📌 A non-defining relative clause gives extra information about a noun. This information isn't essential to understanding the sentence.
• ✍️ Non-defining relative clauses are always set off by commas. One comma before the clause and one after, unless it's at the end of the sentence.
• 🔑 Common relative pronouns used in non-defining clauses include *who*, *which*, and *whose*.
• 🌍 They add detail but don't change the core meaning. Removing the clause won't make the sentence unclear.
• 💡 Example: My cat, who is very fluffy, loves to sleep all day. (The fact that my cat is fluffy is extra info.)

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following sentences uses commas correctly with a non-defining relative clause?
   1. A. My sister who lives in London is a doctor.
   2. B. My sister, who lives in London, is a doctor.
   3. C. My sister who, lives in London is a doctor.
   4. D. My sister, who lives in London is a doctor.
2. Identify the sentence where the relative clause is non-defining and correctly punctuated.
   1. A. The book that I borrowed from the library is overdue.
   2. B. The book, that I borrowed from the library, is overdue.
   3. C. The book, which I borrowed from the library, is overdue.
   4. D. The book which I borrowed from the library is overdue.
3. Which sentence contains a non-defining relative clause adding extra (but not essential) information?
   1. A. The student who studies hard usually succeeds.
   2. B. The car that is parked outside is mine.
   3. C. My house, which is located on a hill, has a great view.
   4. D. The dog that barked all night kept me awake.
4. Choose the sentence where the removal of the relative clause wouldn't change the core meaning.
   1. A. The cake that Mary baked was delicious.
   2. B. The man who robbed the bank was caught.
   3. C. This table, which is made of oak, is very sturdy.
   4. D. The computer that I bought last year is slow.
5. Which sentence correctly uses 'which' in a non-defining relative clause?
   1. A. The house which has a red door is for sale.
   2. B. The house, which has a red door is for sale.
   3. C. The house, which, has a red door, is for sale.
   4. D. The house, which has a red door, is for sale.
6. Select the sentence that correctly uses commas to set off a non-defining relative clause using 'who'.
   1. A. My neighbor who is a pilot travels a lot.
   2. B. My neighbor, who is a pilot, travels a lot.
   3. C. My neighbor, who, is a pilot travels a lot.
   4. D. My neighbor who, is a pilot, travels a lot.
7. In which of these sentences is 'whose' used correctly in a non-defining relative clause?
   1. A. The author whose book I enjoyed is giving a lecture.
   2. B. The author, whose book I enjoyed is giving a lecture.
   3. C. The author, whose book I enjoyed, is giving a lecture.
   4. D. The author whose, book I enjoyed, is giving a lecture.