restrictive clause

noun

, Grammar.

1. a relative clause that identifies the antecedent and that is usually not set off by commas in English. In The year that just ended was bad for crops, the clause that just ended is a restrictive clause.

Word History and Origins

Origin of restrictive clause¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

A restrictive clause is one, therefore, that is needed to make the meaning of the sentence clear.

From Project Gutenberg

To distinguish an appositive clause from a restrictive clause, the former is called a non-restrictive clause.

From Project Gutenberg

Here he read the restrictive clause in the constitution; and then observed, that he saw no pass over this limit.

From Project Gutenberg

A clause introduced by that is usually a restrictive clause.

From Project Gutenberg

But the restrictive clause in the territorial bills satisfied the radical Southerners as little as it pleased Douglas.

From Project Gutenberg