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Home > Grammar > Defining Clauses

Defining Clauses

The function of defining clauses

Defining clauses – otherwise known as defining relative clauses – are parts of sentences that are essential to their meaning. They identify the specific person you’re referring to. If you remove a defining clause from a sentence, it’s still grammatically correct, but it loses its meaning or its meaning changes. 

Examples: 

  • I like to walk home when it’s nice outside. 
  • You need someone you can depend on. 
  • The pizza we ordered turned up cold. 

 

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