Relative clauses

Defining and non-defining

Defining relative clauses

I saw that man again.
Which man?
The man who wants to buy my house
In this case, who wants to buy my house is a defining
relative clause because it defines (explains) who or
what is being discussed (it gives essential information to
understand the idea. If we do not provide that information,
our sentence could not be clear). We can use it in longer

sentences like this:

The man who wants to buy my house is coming to see
me.

Non-defining relative
clauses
They also give extra information, but it is not

essential (we can understand the text if that

information is not included):
A man, who said he knew my father, asked
me for money.

Importance of Defining and NonDefining relative clauses

They can change the meaning of a sentence.
Check these examples (D = defining; ND= nondefining):

D: I have two brothers who are living in Merida

at the moment. [I could have more brothers

living in another city]
ND: I have two brothers, who are living in Merida

at the moment, [I have only two brothers]