nondefining
Adds extra information
Nondefining describes something that doesn't restrict or limit what it modifies.
In grammar, a nondefining clause adds extra information but isn't essential to identify the noun: My brother, who lives in Boston, is visiting (I have one brother; the clause just adds detail).
Contrast with defining clauses, which specify which one: My brother who lives in Boston is visiting (I have multiple brothers; this identifies which one).
Dependent modifier of nouns
- whichInterrogative for selection
- thatThe other one
- appositiveRenaming grammatical element
- nonrestrictiveNot defining or limiting
parenthetical · embedded · subordinate · modifier · nonessential · aside · interruptive · set off
Beyond the existing amount
- supplementaryServing to complete
- elaborativeAdding fuller detail
- explanatoryServing to clarify meaning
- illustrativeServing to explain
informative · background · contextual · ancillary · tangential · digressive · parenthetical · incidental
Punctuation for pauses
- dashesShort fast races
- parenthesesCurved enclosing punctuation marks
- em dashLongest horizontal punctuation
- bracketsMarks setting off text
offsetting · enclosing · comma splice · punctuating · setting off · delimiting · separating · marking
relative clause
Dependent modifier of nouns
- whichInterrogative for selection
- thatThe other one
- appositiveRenaming grammatical element
nonrestrictive · parenthetical · embedded · subordinate · modifier · nonessential · aside · interruptive · set off · bracketed
additional
Beyond the existing amount
- supplementaryServing to complete
- elaborativeAdding fuller detail
- explanatoryServing to clarify meaning
illustrative · informative · background · contextual · ancillary · tangential · digressive · parenthetical · incidental · nonessential
commas
Punctuation for pauses
- dashesShort fast races
- parenthesesCurved enclosing punctuation marks
- em dashLongest horizontal punctuation
brackets · offsetting · enclosing · comma splice · punctuating · setting off · delimiting · separating · marking · boundary markers
nondefiningdefining
Specifying exact meaning
restrictive · identifying · specifying · limiting · determinative
nondefiningdefining
Specifying exact meaning
essential · necessary · integral · indispensable · fundamental
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