I. Introduction.
In English grammar, definite clauses are an important type of sentence. It is used to describe or limit antecedents and is usually guided by relative pronouns or relative adverbs. According to their functions and characteristics, definite clauses can be divided into restrictive definite clauses and non-restrictive definite clauses. Both types of definite clauses function as modifiers or pronouns in sentences, but they have some significant differences in usage and other aspects.
2. Definitions and Distinctions.
1.Definition. Restrictive definite clause: This type of definite clause defines and describes the antecedent word, and cannot be omitted, otherwise the meaning of the main clause will be incomplete. For example, "The book that I read was very interesting."(The book I read was very interesting.) ）
Non-restrictive definite clauses: This type of definite clauses supplement the antecedent words and can be omitted without affecting the meaning of the main clause. For example, "His mother, who is a doctor, often advises him on his studies."(His mother was a doctor who often gave him advice on Xi.) ）
2.Distinguish. 1) Function: The restrictive definite clause mainly defines and describes the antecedent word, which is indispensable;The non-restrictive definite clause is a supplementary explanation of the antecedent and can be omitted.
2) Introductory words: The introductory words of restrictive definite clauses include that, which, who, whom, whose, etc.;The introductory words of a non-restrictive definite clause are usually which and who.
3) Comma: There is no comma between the restrictive definite clause and the main clause;There is usually a comma between the non-restrictive definite clause and the main clause.
3. Usage scenarios and examples.
1.Scenarios and examples of the use of restrictive definite clauses.
This type of definite clause is usually used to describe important characteristics or attributes of a person or thing and cannot be omitted. If the definite clause is removed, the meaning of the main clause becomes incomplete or ambiguous. For example:
1）“the book that i read was very interesting.(The book I read was very interesting.) If you remove the definite clause here, the sentence becomes "the book was very interesting."The meaning becomes incomplete.
2）“the girl who is wearing a red dress is my sister.(The girl in the red dress is my sister.) If you remove the definite clause here, the sentence becomes "the girl is my sister."It is impossible to specify which girl is being referred to.
2.Scenarios and examples of non-restrictive definite clauses.
This type of definite clause is usually used to supplement the antecedent and can be omitted. Remove the definite clause, and the meaning of the main clause is still intact. For example:
1）“his mother, who is a doctor, often advises him on his studies.(His mother was a doctor who often gave him advice on Xi.) If you remove the definite clause here, the sentence becomes "his mother often advises him on his studies."The meaning is still intact.
2）“john, who lives in new york, is a famous artist.(John lives in New York and is a well-known artist.) If you remove the definite clause here, the sentence becomes "John is a famous artist."The meaning is still intact.
4. Precautions and skills.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using restrictive and non-restrictive definite clauses:
Choose the right type according to your needs: decide whether to use a restrictive or non-restrictive definite clause based on the sentence structure and meaning.
Don't abuse commas: Be careful not to abuse commas when using non-restrictive definite clauses, and only use commas when you need to emphasize the independence of the main clause and the clause.
Pay attention to the logical relationship: When using these two types of definite clauses, pay attention to the logical relationship between the antecedent and the clause.
5. Summary. Restrictive definite clauses and non-restrictive definite clauses are two important sentence types in English grammar. The main differences between them are in function, the use of introductory words, and the use of commas. The restrictive definite clause defines and describes the antecedent word, and cannot be omitted, otherwise the meaning of the main clause will be incomplete. The non-restrictive definite clause supplements the antecedent and can be omitted without affecting the meaning of the main clause. In writing, choosing the right type according to your needs, paying attention to logical relationships, and using introductory words and commas correctly can make sentences more accurate, clear, and fluent.