restrictive clause: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “restrictive clause” mean?
A type of relative clause that defines or identifies the noun it modifies.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of relative clause that defines or identifies the noun it modifies; it provides essential information and is not set off by commas.
In grammar, a subordinate clause that limits the meaning of the noun it refers to, making it integral to the sentence's meaning. In legal or contractual contexts, it can refer to a clause that imposes specific limitations or conditions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology is identical in grammatical contexts. Minor differences in punctuation guidance: AmE strongly prefers 'which' for non-restrictive and 'that' for restrictive clauses; BrE is more flexible with 'which' in restrictive clauses.
Connotations
Purely technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, confined to grammar instruction, linguistics, and legal writing.
Grammar
How to Use “restrictive clause” in a Sentence
NOUN + restrictive clause (e.g., The clause that follows...)VERB + restrictive clause (e.g., The rule restricts...)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “restrictive clause” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The contract clause restricts shareholders from selling their shares.
- The rule restricts what can be imported.
American English
- The agreement restricts the tenant from subletting.
- State law restricts where you can build.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in legal/contract drafting referring to a clause that limits rights or actions.
Academic
Common in linguistics, English language, and grammar textbooks.
Everyday
Very rare; only in discussions about writing or grammar.
Technical
Standard term in grammar and legal documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “restrictive clause”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “restrictive clause”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “restrictive clause”
- Using commas around a restrictive clause (e.g., *The book, that I bought, is good).
- Using 'which' instead of 'that' for a restrictive clause in formal American English.
- Confusing it with a non-restrictive clause, changing the sentence's fundamental meaning.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
To provide essential information that defines or identifies the noun it modifies. Without it, the sentence's meaning changes or becomes unclear.
Do not use commas. For example: 'The student who studied passed' (restrictive). Compare to: 'The student, who had studied, passed' (non-restrictive).
In American English, 'that' is strongly preferred for restrictive clauses, and 'which' for non-restrictive clauses set off by commas. British English is less strict, often accepting 'which' in restrictive clauses.
No, because it contains essential information. Omitting it would change the meaning of the sentence or make it incomplete.
A type of relative clause that defines or identifies the noun it modifies.
Restrictive clause is usually formal, technical in register.
Restrictive clause: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈstrɪktɪv klɔːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈstrɪktɪv klɔz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think RESTRICTIVE = RESTRICTS the meaning. It narrows down which specific noun you're talking about. If you remove it, you lose the essential restriction.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FILTER or SPECIFIER. It filters out all other possible referents, specifying the exact one.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence contains a restrictive clause?