A relative clause adds essential information to identify the noun. What type is it?

• A. Defining relative clause
• B. Non-defining relative clause
• C. Relative clause
• D. Subordinate clause

Answer: (A)

Defining relative clauses provide essential information that identifies the noun they modify. They specify exactly which person or thing is being talked about, and removing the clause would make the reference unclear. For example, in The student who arrived late will present next, the clause who arrived late tells us exactly which student is being referred to, so no commas are used. If the clause were non-defining, as in The student, who arrived late, will present next, it would add extra information and be set off with commas, but it wouldn’t be required to identify the student. A general term like relative clause is too broad, and subordinate clause is a broader category that includes more than just defining ones. So the correct type is a defining (restrictive) relative clause.