| restrictive clause |
| Definition:
A clause that helps to precisely identify the sentence's subject. Note: This is in contrast to a non-restrictive clause, which gives information about the subject that is not necessary for identifying it. |
| Example:
The automobile that is in the tree is mine.
(The restrictive clause that is in the tree identifies which car is mine.) |
| Usage:
1. Don't place a comma or any other punctuation mark between the subject and the restrictive clause. The automobile, that is in the tree, is mine. (bad) The automobile that is in the tree is mine. (good) 2. Feel free to use either which or that with restrictive clauses. The key thing is to omit the comma. The automobile which is in the tree is mine. |