Restrictive Modifier
What Is a Restrictive Modifier? (with Examples)
A restrictive modifier is a word, phrase, or dependent clause which modifies another element in a way which is essential to the meaning of the sentence.Unlike additional information in a sentence (which can be offset with commas or other parenthetical punctuation such as brackets or dashes), a restrictive modifier is not offset with punctuation, and this signifies it is essential to the meaning.
There is one notable exception to this. If a restrictive modifier is a phrase or clause which starts a sentence, it can be separated from the thing it modifies with a comma. (More on this below.)
Examples of Restrictive Modifiers
Here are some examples of restrictive modifiers (shaded):- The girl who stole the bread is back.
- The ornament that the dog chewed was worth more than my car.
- The horse which led the way for the whole race fell at the last fence.
- My brother who lives in London is visiting on Saturday. (This is a restrictive modifier. It is essential information to identify which of my brothers.)
- My brother Mark, who lives in London, is visiting on Saturday. (This is a non-restrictive modifier. We already know which of my brothers we're talking about. The text in bold is just additional information. That's why it's offset with commas.)
Adverbial Restrictive Modifiers and Other Types
Restrictive modifiers are not always adjective clauses. There are many other types. For example:- My brother with a house in London is visiting on Saturday. (This is a prepositional phrase functioning as an adjective.)
- Take the cake out of the oven when the alarm sounds. (This is an adverbial clause functioning as an adverb of time.)
- I'm leaving because it's raining. (This is an adverbial clause functioning as an adverb of reason.)
Remember, anything that modifies something else in a way that is essential for meaning is a restrictive modifier. So, the following are all restrictive modifiers:
- My vase
- The vase
- A vase
- The blue vase
Use a Comma If Your Restrictive Modifier Is at the Front
When a restrictive modifier (usually an adverbial clause or phrase) is at the start of a sentence, it is offset with a comma. For example:- When the alarm sounds, take the cake out of the oven.
- Because it's raining, I'm leaving.