When it comes to grammar rules, knowing when to use a comma before which can be tricky. Fortunately, there are some simple guidelines that can help you determine when to use a comma before which. In general, a comma should be used before which when it introduces a nonessential clause or phrase.
This means that the clause or phrase is not necessary for the sentence to have meaning and can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence. Additionally, when a clause or phrase following which begins with a relative pronoun, such as who, whom, or that, a comma should be used.
Contents
When to use a comma before which
Commas are essential tools when it comes to writing a sentence, as they can help to separate elements and create clarity. Knowing when and how to use them is an important part of becoming a better writer.
One of the most common questions related to comma use is when to use a comma before ‘which’. The answer to this question comes down to the ability to recognize dependent and independent clauses within a sentence. If a clause following ‘which’ modifies or describes the word immediately preceding it, then you should use a comma.
If it simply serves as an explanation for a phrase that does not need modifying, then a comma should not be used. For example, consider the sentence ‘Please remember the party at which we danced.
‘ In this instance, the act of dancing is not being modified, so no comma is necessary before the word ‘which. ‘ On the other hand, if we were to instead write ‘Please remember the fancy party, which we danced at,’ then the phrase ‘which we danced at’ is modifying the previous phrase, so it should be preceded by a comma. By simply understanding the clauses at hand and their relation to each other, it then becomes clear when to use a comma before ‘which.
‘ Although it can take some practice to master comma placement, the more sentences you read, the better you will become at determining when to use a comma before ‘which. ‘ After all, the answer to the question is really quite simple: use a comma before ‘which’ when the clause it follows modifies or describes the immediately preceding phrase.
Examples of when to use a comma before which
The proper use of the comma is a difficult concept for many students. Knowing when and when not to use a comma can be especially challenging.
There are a few specific cases when a comma should be used before the word “which. ” The first scenario when a comma should be used before “which” is when it appears to introduce a non-restrictive clause in a sentence. A non-restrictive clause is a clause that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence and can therefore be omitted without altering the basic meaning of the sentence.
For example, a non-restrictive clause can be used to add further detail or describe the essential elements of the sentence. To distinguish a non-restrictive clause from a restrictive clause, the former is set apart by a comma. An example of a sentence with a non-restrictive clause is: “The painting, which I bought yesterday, is beautiful.
” In this sentence, the clause “which I bought yesterday” is non-essential, thus it is set apart with a comma. The second scenario in which a comma should be used before “which” is when it appears as part of an appositive phrase.
An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that provides further information about the noun that precedes it. For example, the appositive phrase in the sentence “My cat, an orange tabby, has been with me for five years” is “an orange tabby. ” This phrase is set apart with a comma.
Finally, a comma should be used before “which” when it appears at the beginning of a sentence that is introducing a clause which appears at the end of a preceding sentence. This helps to clarify the relationship between the two sentences.
An example of this would be: “Her painting was beautiful. Which was quite surprising, given how long she had been painting. ” In this sentence, the clause “which was quite surprising” is set apart from the previous sentence with a comma. In summary, there are three specific instances in which one should use a comma before “which. ” By understanding these scenarios and correctly implementing a comma before “which”, one can increase the accuracy and clarity of their writing.
Common mistakes to avoid when using a comma before which
When it comes to grammar and punctuation, commas can be a bit of a minefield. Knowing when to use a comma before ‘which’ can be particularly tricky. A comma before ‘which’ is often used to introduce a nonessential clause or phrase in the middle of a sentence.
The question is, when do you use one?In general, a comma is required when ‘which’ introduces a restrictive clause or phrase.
This is a clause or phrase that adds essential information. For example: ‘My brother, which I haven’t seen for years, is visiting today. ’ Here, the phrase ‘which I haven’t seen for years’ is essential to understanding which brother the speaker is referring to.
Without it, the sentence would be inaccurate. On the other hand, a comma is usually not needed when ‘which’ introduces an additional, nonessential clause or phrase.
This is because nonessential clauses or phrases are usually not essential to understanding the sentence and can usually be taken out without changing the meaning of the sentence. For example; ‘My brother who lives in Australia is coming to visit. ’ Here, the phrase ‘who lives in Australia’ is additional information, so a comma is not necessary.
To summarise, a comma before ‘which’ should be used when the clause or phrase is essential to understanding the sentence, otherwise it can be omitted. To avoid making mistakes with commas, it is important to consider if the clause or phrase is necessary for understanding the context of the sentence.
Tips for using a comma before which
Using a comma before which is a common grammatical choice that can add clarity and flow to your writing. It can be tricky to know when to use a comma before which and when it isn’t necessary.
To help you determine when to use a comma before which, here are a few tips to get you started. First, it is important to consider the placement of which in your sentence and whether or not it clause is necessary. If you can remove it and still have a meaningful sentence, then you don’t need a comma before which.
For example, “the pizza which I ate was delicious” does not need a comma before which because the clause could be removed and the meaning of the sentence would not be altered. On the other hand, if the clause is necessary to the sentence, you should use a comma before which. For instance, “I ate a pizza, which was delicious” requires a comma before which because the clause is necessary for the sentence to make sense.
Second, it also helps to consider what kind of clause which is introducing. If the clause is non-restrictive or adds additional information, you should use a comma before which.
A non-restrictive clause is a clause that adds information but is not necessary for the sentence to make sense. For example, “the pizza, which had pepperoni on it, was delicious” should have a comma before which.
On the other hand, if the clause is restrictive or provides essential information, you don’t need a comma before which. A restrictive clause is one that is necessary for the sentence to make sense. For instance, “the pizza which I ate was delicious” does not need a comma before which because the clause is providing essential information.
Finally, it is always a good idea to look back at the sentence you have written and consider the context to determine whether or not a comma before which is necessary. If it helps with the flow and understanding of your sentence, then you should use it. If not, then it is best to leave it out. Learn how to use a comma before which and you will find that your writing and grammar will greatly improve.
Our video recommendation
Bottom Line
This article discussed the correct usage of commas before the word “which” in a sentence. It explained that a comma should be used before “which” when the clause it introduces is non-restrictive, meaning it is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.
In contrast, if the clause is restrictive, no comma should be used. The article also provided examples of both types of clauses to help readers better understand when to use a comma before “which”.
FAQ
When should a comma be used before the word “which”?
A comma should be used before the word “which” when it is used to introduce a non-restrictive clause.
What are the rules for using a comma before the word “which”?
When using a comma before the word “which,” it should be used to introduce a non-restrictive clause, which is a clause that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. It should not be used to introduce a restrictive clause, which is a clause that is essential to the meaning of the sentence.
Are there any exceptions to using a comma before the word “which”?
Yes, there are exceptions to using a comma before the word “which”. If the clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence, then no comma is necessary.
How can I tell if I need to use a comma before the word “which”?
If the word “which” is introducing a non-restrictive clause, then you should use a comma before it.
What is the difference between using a comma before “which” and not using a comma?
The difference between using a comma before “which” and not using a comma is that when a comma is used, it indicates that the clause which follows is nonessential or non-restrictive, whereas when a comma is not used, it indicates that the clause which follows is essential or restrictive.
Are there any specific contexts in which a comma should always be used before the word “which”?
Yes, a comma should always be used before the word “which” when it is used to introduce a non-restrictive clause.
