Comma Conundrum- Do You Place a Comma Before ‘Which’ in Your Writing-_1

Do you place a comma before “which” in a sentence? This is a common question among English learners and even native speakers. Understanding when and why to use a comma before “which” can greatly enhance the clarity and correctness of your writing.

In English grammar, “which” is often used as a relative pronoun to introduce a non-restrictive relative clause. A non-restrictive relative clause provides additional information about the noun it modifies but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. When “which” introduces such a clause, it is generally followed by a comma.

For example, consider the following sentence:

She bought a new car, which was red.

In this sentence, “which was red” is a non-restrictive relative clause that provides additional information about the car. The comma before “which” helps to set off this clause, making it clear that it is additional information and not essential to the main point of the sentence.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. When “which” is used to introduce a question or to introduce a clause that is essential to the meaning of the sentence, a comma is not required before “which.”

For example:

Which car did she buy?

In this sentence, “which car” is used to introduce a question, and a comma is not necessary before “which.”

Similarly:

She bought the car, which was red, because it was the cheapest.

In this sentence, “which was red” is essential to the meaning of the sentence, as it specifies which car she bought. Therefore, no comma is needed before “which.”

In conclusion, the general rule is to place a comma before “which” when it introduces a non-restrictive relative clause. However, it is important to be aware of exceptions, such as when “which” is used to introduce a question or an essential clause. By understanding these rules, you can ensure that your writing is both clear and grammatically correct.