Identifying or Adding Information

Level 6

A restrictive relative tells you which person or thing is meant. A supplementary relative adds information about an already identified referent and is set off by commas.

How It Works

Without commas, the relative contributes to identification: Knjiga koju si preporučila nalazi se na stolu. The recommendation tells the listener which book is meant.

With commas, the referent is already established: Ana, koja živi u Rijeci, dolazi sutra. The clause supplies background information. If it interrupts the main clause, both boundaries need punctuation.

This distinction is about meaning in context, not simply whether a name or noun appears before koji. A proper name can sometimes need identification, and a common noun can be already identified. Decide which information selects the referent before adding commas.

Examples (3)

  1. Gosti koji su stigli ranije čekaju u vrtu.

    The guests who arrived earlier are waiting in the garden.

  2. Moj brat, koji živi u Puli, dolazi za vikend.

    My brother, who lives in Pula, is coming for the weekend.

  3. Uzmi torbu koja stoji pokraj vrata.

    Take the bag that is standing by the door.

How It Connects

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Identifying or Adding InformationLevel 6

Learn This First

A relative clause’s identifying or supplementary role interacts with clause punctuation.

Words in This Pattern