Does a comma come before which? This is a common question among English language learners and writers. Understanding the correct usage of commas before relative pronouns like “which” is crucial for producing grammatically correct sentences. In this article, we will explore the rules and exceptions surrounding the placement of commas before “which” in different contexts.
In general, a comma is not required before “which” when it is used as a relative pronoun to introduce a non-restrictive relative clause. Non-restrictive clauses provide additional information about a noun or subject but are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. For example:
– The book, which I received yesterday, is fascinating.
– She visited the museum, which had a special exhibit on ancient art.
In these sentences, the commas are placed after “which” to set off the non-restrictive clause from the rest of the sentence.
However, when “which” is used to introduce a restrictive relative clause, a comma is required before “which” if it modifies the noun it refers to. A restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence and cannot be removed without changing the meaning. For example:
– The book which I received yesterday is fascinating.
– The museum, which had a special exhibit on ancient art, was crowded.
In these examples, the comma is placed before “which” to separate it from the main clause, emphasizing its role as a restrictive relative pronoun.
It’s important to note that when “which” is used as a relative pronoun to introduce a question, a comma is not necessary before “which.” For example:
– Which book did you receive yesterday?
– Which museum had a special exhibit on ancient art?
In these cases, “which” is used to form a question, and no comma is needed before it.
In conclusion, the placement of a comma before “which” depends on the context in which it is used. If “which” introduces a non-restrictive relative clause, no comma is required. If “which” introduces a restrictive relative clause, a comma is necessary before it. Understanding these rules will help you produce grammatically correct sentences and enhance your writing skills.
