Use a period to set off restrictive clauses

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 122 views

Understanding the Difference in Meaning: A Closer Look at Subordinate Clauses, Appositives, and Non-Restrictive Clauses

When it comes to writing grammatical English, there are many nuances that can make a significant difference in the meaning of a sentence. In this article, we will explore the difference in meaning between two seemingly similar sentences, focusing on the use of subordinate clauses, appositives, and non-restrictive clauses.

Example 1: A Sentence with a Subordinate Clause

She is poor at writing grammatical English, because you can find that she has obvious grammar errors in her English.

In this sentence, the phrase "because you can find that she has obvious grammar errors in her English" is a subordinate clause. A subordinate clause is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It relies on an independent clause to make sense. In this case, the subordinate clause provides additional information about why she is poor at writing grammatical English.

Example 2: A Sentence without a Subordinate Clause

She is poor at writing grammatical English because you can find that she has obvious grammar errors in her English.

In this sentence, the phrase "because you can find that she has obvious grammar errors in her English" is not a subordinate clause. Instead, it is a non-restrictive clause, also known as a parenthetical clause. A non-restrictive clause provides additional information about a noun or pronoun, but it is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

The Key Difference: Restrictive vs. Non-Restrictive Clauses

The key difference between a subordinate clause and a non-restrictive clause is that a subordinate clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence, while a non-restrictive clause is not. In Example 1, the subordinate clause "because you can find that she has obvious grammar errors in her English" is essential to understanding why she is poor at writing grammatical English. In Example 2, the non-restrictive clause "because you can find that she has obvious grammar errors in her English" is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Appositives: A Related Concept

An appositive is a noun or phrase that renames or explains a preceding noun or pronoun. In the sentence "She is poor at writing grammatical English, because you can find that she has obvious grammar errors in her English," the phrase "because you can find that she has obvious grammar errors in her English" is not an appositive, but rather a subordinate clause. However, in a sentence like "My sister, who is a doctor, is very kind," the phrase "who is a doctor" is an appositive that renames or explains the noun "sister."

When to Use Subordinate Clauses vs. Non-Restrictive Clauses

So, when should you use a subordinate clause versus a non-restrictive clause? Here are some general guidelines:

Use a subordinate clause when you need to provide additional information that is essential to the meaning of the sentence.
Use a non-restrictive clause when you need to provide additional information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

In conclusion, the difference in meaning between two seemingly similar sentences can be significant. By understanding the difference between subordinate clauses and non-restrictive clauses, you can improve your writing skills and communicate more effectively. Remember, a subordinate clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence, while a non-restrictive clause is not. With practice and patience, you can master the use of subordinate clauses and non-restrictive clauses to take your writing to the next level.

Here are some additional tips and examples to help you understand the difference between subordinate clauses and non-restrictive clauses:

Use commas to set off non-restrictive clauses: When using a non-restrictive clause, use commas to set it off from the rest of the sentence.
Use a period to set off restrictive clauses: When using a restrictive clause, use a period to set it off from the rest of the sentence.
Be careful with dangling modifiers: A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that modifies a word or phrase that is not the intended subject. For example, in the sentence "Having studied all night, the exam was easy," the phrase "Having studied all night" is a dangling modifier because it modifies the subject "the exam," not the intended subject "I."
Use parallel structure: When using a non-restrictive clause, use parallel structure to make the sentence more readable and easier to understand.

Example 3: A Sentence with a Non-Restrictive Clause

She is poor at writing grammatical English, because you can find that she has obvious grammar errors in her English. However, she is excellent at writing creative stories.

In this sentence, the phrase "because you can find that she has obvious grammar errors in her English" is a non-restrictive clause that provides additional information about why she is poor at writing grammatical English. The phrase "However, she is excellent at writing creative stories" is a separate sentence that provides additional information about her writing skills.

Example 4: A Sentence with a Subordinate Clause

She is poor at writing grammatical English because you can find that she has obvious grammar errors in her English. Therefore, she needs to practice writing more.

In this sentence, the phrase "because you can find that she has obvious grammar errors in her English" is a subordinate clause that provides additional information about why she is poor at writing grammatical English. The phrase "Therefore, she needs to practice writing more" is a separate sentence that provides additional information about what she needs to do to improve her writing skills.

Q: What is the difference between a subordinate clause and a non-restrictive clause?

A: A subordinate clause is a clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It relies on an independent clause to make sense. A non-restrictive clause, on the other hand, is a clause that provides additional information about a noun or pronoun, but it is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Q: How do I know whether to use a subordinate clause or a non-restrictive clause?

A: To determine whether to use a subordinate clause or a non-restrictive clause, ask yourself whether the clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence. If it is, use a subordinate clause. If it is not, use a non-restrictive clause.

Q: What is the difference between a comma and a period in a sentence with a non-restrictive clause?

A: A comma is used to set off a non-restrictive clause from the rest of the sentence. A period is used to set off a restrictive clause from the rest of the sentence.

Q: Can a non-restrictive clause be used in a sentence with a subordinate clause?

A: Yes, a non-restrictive clause can be used in a sentence with a subordinate clause. However, the non-restrictive clause should be set off from the rest of the sentence with a comma.

Q: How do I avoid using a dangling modifier?

A: To avoid using a dangling modifier, make sure that the phrase or clause you are using modifies the intended subject. For example, in the sentence "Having studied all night, the exam was easy," the phrase "Having studied all night" is a dangling modifier because it modifies the subject "the exam," not the intended subject "I."

Q: What is parallel structure, and how do I use it in a sentence with a non-restrictive clause?

A: Parallel structure is the use of similar grammatical structures in a sentence to make it more readable and easier to understand. To use parallel structure in a sentence with a non-restrictive clause, make sure that the non-restrictive clause is structured in the same way as the rest of the sentence.

Q: Can a non-restrictive clause be used in a sentence with a relative pronoun?

A: Yes, a non-restrictive clause can be used in a sentence with a relative pronoun. For example, in the sentence "The book, which is on the table, is mine," the phrase "which is on the table" is a non-restrictive clause that provides additional information about the book.

Q: How do I use a non-restrictive clause to provide additional information about a noun or pronoun?

A: To use a non-restrictive clause to provide additional information about a noun or pronoun, make sure that the clause is set off from the rest of the sentence with a comma. For example, in the sentence "The woman, who is a doctor, is very kind," the phrase "who is a doctor" is a non-restrictive clause that provides additional information about the woman.

Q: Can a non-restrictive clause be used in a sentence with a subordinate clause?

A: Yes, a non-restrictive clause can be used in a sentence with a subordinate clause. However, the non-restrictive clause should be set off from the rest of the sentence with a comma.

Q: How do I use a non-restrictive clause to provide additional information about a sentence?

A: To use a non-restrictive clause to provide additional information about a sentence, make sure that the clause is set off from the rest of the sentence with a comma. For example, in the sentence "The woman, who is a doctor, is very kind. However, she is also very intelligent," the phrase "who is a doctor" is a non-restrictive clause that provides additional information about the woman.

In conclusion, the difference in meaning between a subordinate clause and a non-restrictive clause can be significant. By understanding the difference between these two types of clauses, you can improve your writing skills and communicate more effectively. Remember, a subordinate clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence, while a non-restrictive clause is not. With practice and patience, you can master the use of subordinate clauses and non-restrictive clauses to take your writing to the next level.