TSA CBT Practice Test

Which type of clause is essential for identifying the word it modifies?

1. Nonrestrictive clause

2. Independent clause

3. Restrictive clause

4. Dependent clause

The correct answer is: Restrictive clause

The correct answer is restrictive clause. A restrictive clause provides essential information about the noun it modifies, helping to clarify which specific person, place, thing, or idea is being referred to. Without this clause, the meaning of the sentence would be unclear or significantly changed. For example, in the sentence "The book that has a red cover is mine," the restrictive clause "that has a red cover" specifies which book is being discussed. If this clause were removed, it would not be clear which book is being referenced. In contrast, a nonrestrictive clause adds extra information that is not crucial to identify the noun it modifies, and it is typically set off by commas. An independent clause stands alone as a complete sentence and does not depend on modifying anything. A dependent clause, while it cannot stand alone, also does not serve the same function as a restrictive clause when it comes to identifying the specific noun.