Restrictive Relative Clauses｜How to Limit and Define Nouns in Sentences

In English, when I want to describe a noun in more detail, I use relative pronouns such as who, which, or that. Among these, the restrictive use specifies and limits the noun, making its meaning clear.

By using restrictive relative clauses, I can identify which person or which thing I am referring to, and ensure that the meaning of the sentence is precise.

In this lesson, I will explain the basic rules and usage of restrictive relative clauses.

1. What Is the Restrictive Use?

The restrictive use refers to the way a relative clause limits and defines the antecedent noun.

Here, “who is standing over there” modifies “the man,” specifying him among many possible men.

If I remove the relative clause and simply say “The man is my uncle,” the sentence is grammatically correct, but it does not tell me “which man.”

Thus, the restrictive use helps specify and narrow down the meaning of a noun.

2. Relative Pronouns Referring to People

When referring to people, I use the relative pronouns who or that.

In both sentences, who or that identifies the antecedents girl and man.

In everyday conversation, “that” often sounds simpler and more natural.

3. Relative Pronouns Referring to Things or Animals

When referring to things or animals, I use which or that.

Both “which” and “that” are grammatically correct, but in casual speech, “that” is often preferred.

4. Features and Key Points of Restrictive Relative Clauses

4-1. No Comma Is Used

Restrictive relative clauses are written without commas. If I add a comma, it changes the meaning into a non-restrictive clause.

4-2. Omission of the Relative Pronoun

When the relative pronoun functions as the object, it can be omitted.

Here, omitting “which” does not change the meaning.

5. Difference Between Restrictive and Non-Restrictive Clauses

Restrictive clauses are often compared with non-restrictive clauses.

Restrictive use specifies “which person or thing” is meant, and is written without a comma.

This sentence limits the meaning to “the boy who is playing soccer,” distinguishing him from other boys.

Non-restrictive use adds extra information and is written with commas.

Here, “who is playing soccer” is additional information about “my brother.”

6. Summary

Izumi

Author

「English Morning｜基礎から学ぶ英語講座」を運営している泉（Izumi）です。このサイトでは基礎から応用まで、英語の文法を解説しています。