Do you put a comma before which? This is a common question among English learners, as the use of commas with relative pronouns like “which” can be somewhat confusing. Understanding when and why to use a comma before “which” is essential for clear and effective writing.
In the English language, commas are used to clarify meaning, separate elements in a list, and set off introductory phrases or clauses. When it comes to relative pronouns like “which,” the comma’s placement can vary depending on the context. Let’s explore the different scenarios where a comma is required before “which.”
Firstly, when “which” introduces a non-restrictive relative clause, a comma is necessary before it. A non-restrictive clause provides additional information about the noun it modifies but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. For example:
She bought a new car, which was red.
In this sentence, the clause “which was red” is non-restrictive, and the comma before “which” helps to set it off from the main clause.
On the other hand, when “which” introduces a restrictive relative clause, a comma is not required before it. A restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence and cannot be removed without changing the sentence’s meaning. For example:
The book which I read was fascinating.
In this sentence, the clause “which I read” is restrictive, and removing the comma would change the meaning of the sentence.
Another situation where a comma is needed before “which” is when it is followed by a phrase that begins with a preposition. For example:
She bought a new car, which she had been looking for.
In this sentence, the phrase “which she had been looking for” begins with the preposition “for,” and the comma before “which” helps to set off the phrase.
In summary, the answer to the question “Do you put a comma before which?” depends on the context. When “which” introduces a non-restrictive relative clause or is followed by a phrase beginning with a preposition, a comma is necessary. However, when “which” introduces a restrictive relative clause, no comma is required. Understanding these rules will help you use commas effectively and write clear, grammatically correct sentences.
