Non-restrictive Clauses Explained add additional information about a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase without changing the main point of a sentence.
A relative clause or adjective clause can use which, who, whom, or whose, with commas helping readers recognize the extra detail.
Unlike a restrictive clause, this nonessential clause can be removed without changing the overall meaning, while making writing more informative and interesting.
What Is a Non-Restrictive Clause?
To begin with, a non-restrictive clause is a dependent clause that provides additional information about a noun without restricting or identifying that noun.
In simpler terms, the reader already knows who or what you’re talking about. Thus, the non-restrictive clause simply gives more information about it.
For example, consider this sentence:
Maria, who works at the local library, recommended the book.
The main statement is:
Maria recommended the book.
Here, the words “who works at the local library” add information about Maria. They don’t identify which Maria the writer means, since “Maria” is already specific in the context — again, this is a non-restrictive clause.
Now remove the clause:
Maria recommended the book.
Even so, the sentence remains complete and retains its basic meaning.
That, in short, is the key characteristic of a non-restrictive clause: it can be removed without changing the identity of the noun or the central message of the sentence. (Grammarly)
A Simple Example
For instance, look at this sentence:
The Eiffel Tower, which was completed in 1889, attracts millions of visitors.
The phrase “which was completed in 1889” tells you something interesting about the Eiffel Tower. However, it doesn’t tell you which Eiffel Tower the writer means, because there is already a specific landmark being discussed — hence, another non-restrictive clause.
Without the clause:
The Eiffel Tower attracts millions of visitors.
The sentence still works.
In other words, you can think of a non-restrictive clause as a grammatical aside. It steps into the sentence briefly, adds useful information, and then steps back out.
What Is a Relative Clause?
Before understanding a non-restrictive clause fully, you first need to understand relative clauses.
A relative clause is a dependent clause that modifies a noun or pronoun. Typically, it begins with a relative pronoun such as who, whom, whose, which, or that.
For example:
The woman who called yesterday left a message.
The clause “who called yesterday” describes “the woman.”
Generally speaking, relative clauses fall into two categories:
- Restrictive relative clauses
- Non-restrictive relative clauses
Essentially, the distinction is based on whether the information is necessary to identify the noun.
How Relative Clauses Work
A typical structure looks like this:
Noun + relative pronoun + relative clause
For example:
The teacher who teaches grammar wrote the article.
Here:
- teacher = noun being modified
- who = relative pronoun
- who teaches grammar = relative clause
The relative clause gives information about the teacher.
That said, this information isn’t automatically restrictive or a non-restrictive clause; rather, its function depends on the intended meaning.
Restrictive and Non-Restrictive Relative Clauses
Once again, compare these sentences:
The employees who arrived early received breakfast.
Here, the clause “who arrived early” identifies which employees received breakfast. Therefore, it is restrictive.
Now, on the other hand, consider:
The employees, who arrived early, received breakfast.
In this case, the commas indicate that “who arrived early” is additional information about the employees — that is, a non-restrictive clause. The sentence presents the employees as an already identified group.
Consequently, the difference is therefore semantic as well as grammatical. You shouldn’t decide solely by looking at the word “who.” (Cambridge University Press)
Restrictive vs. Non-Restrictive Clauses
To clarify, the easiest way to understand the distinction is to ask one question:
Does the clause identify the noun, or does it simply add information about it?
| Restrictive clause | Non-restrictive clause |
|---|---|
| Gives essential identifying information | Gives additional information |
| Narrows the meaning of the noun | Doesn’t narrow the noun |
| Usually has no commas | Uses commas |
| Removing it can change the meaning | Removing it usually preserves the basic meaning |
| Often uses that in US English | Often uses which for things |
| Can use who for people | Can use who for people |
Restrictive Clauses Give Essential Information
Consider:
The students who studied passed the exam.
This doesn’t necessarily mean every student passed.
Specifically, the clause “who studied” identifies the students being discussed. Without it, you get:
The students passed the exam.
Consequently, that broader statement has a different meaning, so the clause is restrictive.
Non-Restrictive Clauses Add Extra Information
By contrast, now consider:
The students, who studied all night, passed the exam.
Here, the writer presents “the students” as an identifiable group, and the non-restrictive clause simply adds information about them.
Remove it:
The students passed the exam.
Nevertheless, the central statement remains intact.
This is exactly why commas matter with a non-restrictive clause: they tell the reader that the information inside them is supplemental rather than essential. (University of Waterloo)
Side-by-Side Examples
| Restrictive | Non-restrictive |
|---|---|
| The car that has a flat tire is mine. | My car, which has a flat tire, is in the garage. |
| The employees who work remotely need new software. | The employees, who work remotely, need new software. |
| The book that won the award is expensive. | The book, which won the award, is expensive. |
| The woman who called you is my manager. | Sarah, who called you yesterday, is my manager. |
Notably, the restrictive version often answers “Which one?”
Meanwhile, the non-restrictive clause typically answers “What else can I tell you about it?”
How to Identify a Non-Restrictive Clause
Whenever you’re unsure, you can use a practical test.
The Removal Test
First, take the suspected non-restrictive clause out of the sentence.
Original:
My uncle, who lives in Canada, visits every summer.
Remove the clause:
My uncle visits every summer.
Since the basic reference remains clear, the clause is non-restrictive.
Now, by comparison, try:
The uncle who lives in Canada visits every summer.
Remove the clause:
The uncle visits every summer.
In this case, the sentence may no longer identify which uncle you mean.
Therefore, that suggests the clause is restrictive rather than a non-restrictive clause.
That said, don’t treat the removal test as a mechanical rule. Meaning and context still matter. A sentence can remain grammatically complete after removing a restrictive clause while losing the information that makes the intended reference clear. (The Chicago Manual of Style Online)
Punctuation Rules for Non-Restrictive Clauses
Above all, punctuation is one of the most important parts of using a non-restrictive clause correctly.
Use Commas Around a Non-Restrictive Clause
When the non-restrictive clause interrupts a sentence, place a comma before and after it.
Mr. Ahmed, who owns the store, opened it early.
The commas surround the entire clause:
Mr. Ahmed, [who owns the store], opened it early.
Don’t write:
Mr. Ahmed, who owns the store opened it early.
Here, the second comma is missing.
However, if the non-restrictive clause appears at the end, you generally need only the comma that introduces it:
I visited the museum, which was surprisingly quiet.
Since the sentence ends after the clause, there’s no second comma.
Use Parentheses for Strongly Secondary Information
Alternatively, parentheses can also set off additional information:
The conference (which was originally scheduled for June) was postponed.
In this way, parentheses make the information feel more like an aside.
Specifically, they’re useful when the detail is even less central than the surrounding sentence.
Use Dashes for Emphasis
Similarly, em dashes can give the additional information stronger emphasis:
The conference—which attracted hundreds of teachers—lasted three days.
Compared with commas, dashes create a more noticeable interruption.
Overall, the choice between commas, parentheses, and dashes can therefore affect tone and emphasis, even though the underlying information remains supplemental.
Don’t Strip the Commas Out
Unfortunately, a common error is to use only one comma around a non-restrictive clause in the middle of a sentence.
Incorrect:
My brother, who lives nearby works from home.
Correct:
My brother, who lives nearby, works from home.
To avoid this mistake, think of the commas as a pair of grammatical brackets.
Relative Pronouns in Non-Restrictive Clauses
Generally, the relative pronoun you choose depends partly on what the non-restrictive clause refers to and what grammatical role the pronoun plays.
Who
Specifically, use who for people when the pronoun functions as the subject of the relative clause.
My teacher, who speaks three languages, encouraged me to study abroad.
Here, “who” is the subject of “speaks.”
Whom
By contrast, use whom when the pronoun functions as an object, especially in formal writing.
Mr. Khan, whom I met yesterday, works at the university.
The underlying structure is:
I met him yesterday.
Since “him” is an object, whom is traditionally appropriate.
That said, in everyday American English, many speakers use who instead. Ultimately, the choice often depends on the desired level of formality. (University Writing Center)
Whose
Meanwhile, whose expresses possession.
My neighbor, whose daughter is a doctor, moved last month.
Additionally, it can refer to things:
The company, whose headquarters are in Chicago, opened another office.
Which
Furthermore, use which for things and, in appropriate contexts, animals.
The laptop, which I bought last year, still works perfectly.
Here, the clause gives extra information about the laptop.
Overall, for a non-restrictive clause in standard US English, which is the conventional choice for things. (Scribbr)
Why “That” Doesn’t Normally Introduce a Non-Restrictive Clause
In standard US English usage, that is generally used for restrictive clauses rather than a non-restrictive clause.
Correct:
The laptop that I bought yesterday is expensive.
Non-restrictive:
My laptop, which I bought yesterday, is expensive.
Avoid:
My laptop, that I bought yesterday, is expensive.
Indeed, the standard distinction is useful because it gives readers an immediate grammatical signal:
- that → restrictive
- which → non-restrictive
Nonetheless, some varieties of English use which restrictively without commas. Even so, following the that/which distinction is a clear and useful choice in US English. (Scribbr)
Where a Non-Restrictive Clause Appears in Sentences
Notably, a non-restrictive clause isn’t limited to one position.
In the Middle of a Sentence
The manager, who joined the company in 2015, approved the proposal.
In this instance, the clause interrupts the main sentence and therefore needs two commas.
At the End of a Sentence
I bought a new phone, which has a much better camera.
Only one comma is needed because the clause ends the sentence.
Referring to an Entire Previous Idea
Interestingly, a which-clause can sometimes comment on an entire preceding statement rather than just one noun.
The company closed three branches, which surprised many customers.
Here, “which” can be understood as referring to the preceding situation: the company closing three branches.
Because of this, this construction requires careful punctuation, since the comma helps readers understand that the non-restrictive clause comments on the preceding idea rather than merely modifying the nearest noun. (Scribbr)
Non-Restrictive Clause Examples
Overall, examples become much easier to understand when you see different contexts.
Examples About People
- Maria, who teaches English, writes grammar articles.
- My brother, whom you met last week, works in Karachi.
- David, whose father owns the business, joined the company.
In each sentence, the person is already identifiable.
Examples About Places
- Karachi, which is Pakistan’s largest city by population, has a busy coastline.
- Paris, where my cousin studied, attracts visitors from around the world.
Here too, the clauses add information without identifying which Karachi or Paris is meant.
Examples About Things
- My phone, which I bought last year, still works well.
- The old bridge, which crosses the river, is closed today.
Again, the nouns are already specific.
Examples About Animals
- Our dog, which loves chasing birds, spends most afternoons outside.
- Luna, whose ears are unusually large, won the competition.
Examples About Events and Ideas
- The meeting ended early, which gave everyone more time to prepare.
- She accepted the offer, which surprised her colleagues.
In these cases, the the clause can comment on the preceding event or situation.
Restrictive vs. This clause: Meaning Changes
Sometimes, punctuation creates a dramatic difference in meaning.
Consider:
The employees who work remotely receive a monthly allowance.
This means the remote employees receive the allowance; other employees may not.
Now, by contrast, change the punctuation:
The employees, who work remotely, receive a monthly allowance.
This version presents the employees as an already defined group and states that they work remotely — once again, such a clause.
Therefore, the commas aren’t simply about taking a breath. Rather, they communicate how the writer wants the reader to interpret the information. (Our Languages)
Common Mistakes With it
Forgetting the Commas
Incorrect:
My aunt who lives in Dubai is visiting.
If “who lives in Dubai” is merely extra information, write:
My aunt, who lives in Dubai, is visiting.
Using “That” Instead of “Which” or “Who”
Incorrect in standard US English:
My car, that is very old, needs repairs.
Better:
My car, which is very old, needs repairs.
Treating Every “Who” or “Which” Clause as Non-Restrictive
Importantly, the word itself doesn’t decide the clause type.
Compare:
The woman who called me is my manager.
and:
Sarah, who called me yesterday, is my manager.
Both use who, but their functions differ.
The first identifies the woman, whereas the second adds information about Sarah via the clause.
Removing Only One Comma
Incorrect:
The book, which I bought yesterday is excellent.
Correct:
The book, which I bought yesterday, is excellent.
Creating a Misplaced Modifier
Additionally, the relative clause should clearly refer to the noun immediately associated with it.
For example:
The manager spoke to the employee, who was upset.
This most naturally suggests that the employee was upset.
If the intended meaning is unclear, rewrite the sentence rather than forcing the reader to guess.
Adding Information That Isn’t Useful
Even so, a technically correct this clause can still make writing clumsy.
Compare:
My laptop, which is an electronic device that I use for work, is on the desk.
A simpler sentence is better:
My laptop is on the desk.
In short, good grammar isn’t enough. The added information should earn its place.
Such a clause vs. Appositives
An appositive is a noun or noun phrase placed beside another noun to rename or explain it.
For example:
My brother, a software engineer, lives in Texas.
“A software engineer” is an appositive phrase.
By comparison, it can perform a similar informational function:
My brother, who is a software engineer, lives in Texas.
Nevertheless, the structures differ:
- Appositive: noun or noun phrase
- The clause: subject + predicate structure
Either way, both can add information without identifying the noun.
This clause vs. Parenthetical Phrases
A parenthetical phrase is an interruption that adds information without forming a complete clause.
For example:
The project, in my opinion, needs more research.
“In my opinion” is a parenthetical phrase.
Now compare:
The project, which needs more research, will continue next month.
Since “which needs more research” contains a subject and verb, it is a clause — specifically, such a clause.
Although the punctuation may look similar, the grammatical structures aren’t identical.
How to Use it Effectively
Add Information That Helps the Reader
First, use the clause when the extra detail improves understanding.
The report, which contains the latest sales figures, is on my desk.
Here, the added detail provides useful context.
Keep the Main Sentence Clear
Second, don’t insert a long this clause into an already complicated sentence.
If the interruption becomes difficult to follow, split the information into two sentences instead.
Match the Structure to the Context
Third, such a clause works well in:
- Essays
- Reports
- Professional writing
- Academic writing
- Articles
- Personal writing
Ultimately, they help writers combine closely related ideas without creating a string of short sentences.
Read for Meaning, Not Just Punctuation
Finally, keep in mind that a comma doesn’t automatically make a clause non-restrictive.
First, decide what you mean. Then, choose the structure and punctuation that communicate that meaning.
Before-and-After Sentence Editing
Fixing a Missing Comma
Before:
The manager who joined last year approved the plan.
If “who joined last year” is additional information — that is, it:
After:
The manager, who joined last year, approved the plan.
Replacing an Incorrect “That”
Before:
My house, that has a red door, is easy to find.
After:
My house, which has a red door, is easy to find.
Clarifying a Restrictive Meaning
Before:
The students, who submitted the forms, received certificates.
If only students who submitted forms received certificates, remove the commas so the clause is no longer the clause:
After:
The students who submitted the forms received certificates.
Consequently, the punctuation changes the scope of the statement.
Removing an Unnecessary Clause
Before:
My computer, which is a machine I use every day for writing, is slow.
After:
My computer is slow.
In the end, the second sentence communicates the important information more efficiently.
Quick Reference Table for this clause
| Rule | Practice | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Add nonessential information | Maria, who lives nearby, called. |
| Commas | Set off the clause | The car, which is new, is expensive. |
| People | Use who/whom/whose appropriately | John, who works here, helped me. |
| Things | Use which for such a clause | The book, which I bought yesterday, is useful. |
| That | Don’t normally use it in it | My car, which is old, needs repairs. |
| Identification | Ask whether the noun is already clear | Sarah, who teaches English, arrived. |
| Removal | Test whether the central reference remains clear | Sarah arrived. |
| Meaning | Decide whether information is essential first | Compare restrictive and non-restrictive versions. |
Practice: Identify the The clause
Now, try identifying the this clause in each sentence.
- My father, who loves gardening, grows tomatoes every summer.
- The museum, which opened in 1920, attracts many visitors.
- Aisha, whose brother lives abroad, travels frequently.
- The students who completed the assignment received feedback.
- The laptop, which I bought recently, has a damaged screen.
The answers are:
- who loves gardening
- which opened in 1920
- whose brother lives abroad
- No such a clause — “who completed the assignment” is restrictive.
- which I bought recently
Notably, the fourth sentence is important because it demonstrates why you can’t classify a clause simply by looking for who.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is a non-restrictive clause?
A non-restrictive clause adds extra information about a noun without changing the main meaning of the sentence. You can usually remove it, and the sentence will still clearly identify the person, place, thing, or idea being discussed.
Example:
My sister, who lives in Chicago, is a teacher.
The clause “who lives in Chicago” adds extra information. We already know which sister the sentence refers to.
Q2. Do non-restrictive clauses need commas?
Yes. A non-restrictive clause should normally be separated from the main sentence with commas.
Example:
The museum, which opened in 1920, attracts thousands of visitors.
If the clause appears at the end of a sentence, you normally need only one comma before it.
We visited the museum, which opened in 1920.
The commas signal that the information is additional rather than essential.
Q3. What is the difference between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses?
A restrictive clause provides information needed to identify the noun. A non-restrictive clause provides information that is not needed for identification.
Compare these sentences:
| Restrictive | Non-restrictive |
|---|---|
| The students who studied passed the test. | The students, who studied all night, passed the test. |
| The car that I bought is red. | My car, which I bought last week, is red. |
In the first examples, the clauses help identify which students or which car. In the second examples, the nouns are already clear.
Q4. Can a non-restrictive clause be removed?
Yes. Removing a non-restrictive clause should leave the basic meaning of the sentence intact.
Example:
Sarah, who works at the library, loves mystery novels.
Remove the clause:
Sarah loves mystery novels.
The sentence still makes complete sense. This removal test is a useful way to recognize a non-restrictive clause.
Q5. Can I use “that” in a non-restrictive clause?
In standard US English, “that” is not normally used to introduce a non-restrictive clause. Use “who” for people and “which” for things or animals when appropriate.
Correct:
My brother, who lives in Texas, is visiting us.
My car, which is ten years old, still runs well.
Incorrect:
My brother, that lives in Texas, is visiting us.
My car, that is ten years old, still runs well.
For formal US English, remember this simple pattern: that = restrictive, which/who = non-restrictive.
Q6. Which relative pronouns can introduce non-restrictive clauses?
Common choices include who, whom, whose, and which.
- Who usually refers to people.
- Whom refers to people when it functions as an object.
- Whose shows possession.
- Which usually refers to things, animals, or sometimes a whole preceding idea.
Examples:
Maria, who teaches English, wrote the article.
James, whom I met yesterday, works nearby.
My neighbor, whose dog is very friendly, helped me.
The house, which was built in 1950, needs repairs.
Q7. Can a non-restrictive clause appear at the end of a sentence?
Yes. It can appear in the middle or at the end of a sentence.
Middle position:
My uncle, who loves gardening, grows vegetables every summer.
End position:
I visited my uncle, who lives near the coast.
The punctuation changes slightly depending on the position. A clause in the middle usually needs commas on both sides. A clause at the end generally needs one comma before it.
Q8. Can punctuation change the meaning of a sentence?
Yes. Commas can create a major difference between restrictive and non-restrictive meaning.
Compare:
The employees who arrived early received coffee.
This means only the employees who arrived early received coffee.
Now compare:
The employees, who arrived early, received coffee.
Here, the clause suggests that the employees being discussed arrived early. The information is presented as an additional detail rather than as a way to identify a particular group.
So, punctuation isn’t merely decoration. In these sentences, it can change what the reader understands.
Q9. What is the easiest way to identify a non-restrictive clause?
Try the removal test.
First, find the clause that describes a noun. Then remove it from the sentence.
If the sentence still clearly identifies the noun and keeps its main meaning, the clause is probably non-restrictive.
Example:
London, which is the capital of England, attracts many tourists.
Remove the clause:
London attracts many tourists.
The sentence still works because London already identifies the place. Therefore, “which is the capital of England” provides extra information.
Q10. What is the main rule for using non-restrictive clauses?
The easiest rule to remember is this:
Use a non-restrictive clause for extra information, and set it off with commas.
In standard US English, who, whom, whose, and which can introduce these clauses. Avoid using that to introduce a non-restrictive clause.
Before publishing your sentence, ask yourself two questions:
- Does the clause identify the noun or simply add information?
- Would the sentence still have its basic meaning without the clause?
If the information is extra, use the appropriate punctuation. This simple check can prevent many common non-restrictive clause mistakes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a this clause gives writers a useful way to add information without interrupting the main idea too heavily. It describes an already identifiable person, place, thing, or idea rather than narrowing down which one the writer means.
Above all, the most important rule is simple:
Restrictive clauses identify; such a clause adds information.
Once you understand that distinction, the punctuation becomes much easier.
Therefore, use commas around it. Use who, whom, whose, or which according to the grammatical role and the noun being modified. In standard US English, avoid that for the clause.
Most importantly, decide what you mean before deciding where to put the comma, since good punctuation follows meaning. When you make that habit part of your writing process, restrictive clauses and this clause become far easier to use accurately. (The Chicago Manual of Style Online)