In Russian, it’s really important to know the difference between two types of clauses: restrictive and non-restrictive. These clauses help make sentences clearer by adding information, but they serve different purposes.

Restrictive Clauses

Restrictive clauses (ограничительные придаточные предложения) are key to the meaning of a sentence. They explain or limit the noun they describe. These clauses do not use commas.

Example:

• Книга, которую я читаю, интересная. (The book that I am reading is interesting.)
  In this sentence, “которую я читаю” tells us exactly which book is being discussed.

Non-Restrictive Clauses

Non-restrictive clauses (неограничительные придаточные предложения) add extra information. However, this information isn’t needed to understand the main sentence. These clauses are usually set off with commas.

Example:

• Эта книга, которая интересная, сейчас в продаже. (This book, which is interesting, is currently on sale.)
  Here, “которая интересная” gives us more details about the book, but we don’t need it to know which book is being mentioned.

Key Differences

1. Punctuation:

   • Restrictive clauses: No commas
   • Non-restrictive clauses: Use commas

2. Function:

   • Restrictive clauses: Vital for clarity
   • Non-restrictive clauses: Just for extra details

Practice Sentences

1. Я купила машину, которая синяя. (Non-restrictive)
2. Я купила машину, которую ты посоветовал. (Restrictive)

To get better at this, try writing your own sentences with both types of clauses. Remember to pay attention to punctuation and make sure your meaning is clear!