What distinguishes a defining (restrictive) relative clause from a non-defining (non-restrictive) relative clause?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Defining gives essential facts with no commas; non-defining gives extra details with commas
- Step 1: A defining clause ('The students who passed celebrated') is essential to identify the noun and takes no commas. Step 2. A non-defining clause ('The students, who studied, celebrated') adds extra detail and must be set off by commas. Answer: Defining gives essential facts with no commas; non-defining gives extra details with commas. Why not the others: In standard formal English, 'that' introduces defining clauses, whereas 'which' introduces non-defining clauses with commas.
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