Commas after the word which

1) Do not place a comma before «that»; 2) Do not place a comma before who or which if the information provided by the relative clause is essential; 3) Place a comma before who or which if the relative clause is not necessary to know who or what the speaker means.

When using the relative pronoun «who«, «which«, or «that» in a sentence:

1. Do not place a comma before «that«:

   The man that lives next door is tall.

   The man, that lives next door, is tall.

2. Do not place a comma before «who» or «which» if the information provided by the relative clause is essential to understand which person or thing the writer is talking about.

   The man who lives next door is tall.

   The man, who lives next door, is tall.

   We need the relative clause «who lives next door» to know exactly who is the man the writer is talking about. We do not use commas in a situation like this.

3. Place a comma before «who» or «which» only if the relative clause is not necessary to know who or what you are talking about. That is, the relative clause provides additional information about the person or thing, but this extra information is not essential to identify the subject.

   My neighbor Peter, who lives next door, is very tall.

   Even if you omit the clause «who lives next door», the reader knows who you are talking about (your neighbor Peter). The clause «who lives next door» just adds extra information.

   When someone or something is sufficiently identified, the description that follows is considered nonessential and should be surrounded by commas.

Contents

• 1. Using Commas with Relative Pronouns
• 2. Using a Comma Before ‘Who’ or ‘Which’ Changes the Meaning of a Sentence
• 3. When to Use ‘That’, ‘Who’ and ‘Which’
• 4. More Examples

1. Using Commas with Relative Pronouns

Look at this example:

People who live in cities are more stressed.

«Who live in cities» is a relative clause (a part of the sentence that tell us what type of person or thing the speaker means). Relative clauses begin with relative pronouns, such as «who«, «which«, or «that«.

The children who read at home regularly make the most progress.

The clause «who read at home regularly» is essential to understand the meaning of the sentence. If we omit this clause, the sentence makes no sense.

The children make the most progress.

The sentence above is incorrect since we are trying to say that only some students, those who read at home regularly, make the most progress.

Another example:

My brother, who works as a dentist, is wealthy.

If we take out the relative clause («who works as a dentist»), the sentence is complete and makes sense. It also provides the most relevant information (My brother is wealthy.)

When using a comma before «who» or «which», include also the closing comma (the comma after «dentist» in the example above). Some writers forget to add this important comma. At the end of a sentence, a period replaces a comma.

2. Using a Comma Before ‘Who’ or ‘Which’ Changes the Meaning of a Sentence

Examine this example:

My sister, who is very tall, can speak English and French.

This sentence is correct because you are assuming that the reader knows who you are talking about (your sister).

However, if you have two sisters, the reader may need to know which sister you are speaking about. Remember, we should avoid commas if the information is essential to know who or what you are talking about:

My sister who is very tall can speak English and French.

Another example:

I’m planning to go to Spain which is very sunny next month.

In this sentence, the comma is not optional. The clause before the relative pronoun tells us where you are going (Spain). In this particular context, the relative clause «which is very sunny» just adds extra information about Spain.

I’m planning to go to Spain, which is very sunny, next month.

1. We use «who» for people (sometimes for animals too).

   She doesn’t like people who get angry easily.

   I don’t like movies who have scenes of violence.

2. We use «which» for things.

   I only buy watches which are waterproof.

   My uncle, which is an engineer, went to London last week.

3. We use «that» for people or things.

   The girl that came last week is smart.

   The dish that you prepared yesterday was delicious.

4. «That» is more common than «which«, but sometimes you need to use «which» (see next point).

   Rebecca works for a company that makes drones.

   I don’t like movies that have scenes of violence.

5. If the sentence requires commas, you should use «which» for things and «who» for people (not «that»).

   Madrid, which is the capital of Spain, was founded around the year 860 A.C.

   Alex, who is very tall, is a good chess player.

6. In many situations, you can omit the pronoun in a relative clause. You can learn more about how to omit correctly that, who, or which.

Remember, we don’t put a comma before that.

Paris, that is the most romantic city in the world, is a beautiful place to live.

Paris, which is the most romantic city in the world, is a beautiful place to live.

Another example:

Rebecca, that lives in New York, is very smart.

Rebecca, who lives in New York, is very smart.

4. More Examples

Examples with «who«:

• The waiter who served us was rude.
• What was the name of the person who came yesterday?
• The man who was carrying a suitcase was very polite.
• My friend Olivia, who lives next door, is an engineer.
• What was the name of the person who wanted to talk to you?
• The police caught the girl who stole the wallet.
• Marie Curie, who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, discovered the existence of the elements polonium and radium.
• The movie was about a boy who was raised in Paris.
• A firefighter is a person who fights fires and rescues people.
• Do you know who took those pictures?

Examples with «that«:

• The restaurant that was destroyed in the fire has now been rebuilt.
• The protester that was arrested has hired a new lawyer.
• What happened to the hamburger that was on the table?
• A paradox is a statement or proposition that is seemingly contradictory.
• Andorra is a microstate that borders France and Spain.
• Thailand is the only Asian country that was never colonized by a European country.
• The company that was fined for air pollution is now investing in renewable energy.

Examples with «which«:

• Artificial intelligence, which combines computer science and robust datasets, enables the execution of complex tasks.
• The new stadium, which can hold 20,000 people, has an oval shape.
• We often go to Chicago, which is not far away.
• Inflation, which is pretty high right now, is having an impact on US consumers.
• Yoga, which improves core strength and flexibility, is very popular in India.

Main Takeaways:

• Place a comma beforewhich when which precedes a nonrestrictive clause.
• A nonrestrictive clause is a phrase that adds non-essential information to a sentence without changing the overall meaning.
• Don’t place a commabeforewhich when which is part of a prepositional phrase.
• Don’t use a commabefore which when it’s used to pose an indirect question.
• We use which with nonrestrictive clauses, while we use that with restrictive clauses.
• When used with a restrictive clause, you don’t need to put a commabeforethat.
• Restrictive clauses function as identifiers. Removing a restrictive clause from a sentence changes the sentence’s meaning.

Whether to use a comma before or afterwhich in a sentence is a dilemma that many people face when writing. This grammar guide will teach you when you should and shouldn’t place a comma before which.

When it comes to grammatical conundrums, commas are often the culprit. Thankfully, learning when to use a comma before and afterwhich is actually pretty easy when you follow several simple rules.

When Should You Use a Comma Before Which?

Simply put, you should use a comma beforewhich when it precedes a nonrestrictive modifying clause. A nonrestrictive modifying clause is a phrase that adds nonessential information to a sentence without altering its meaning. It’s normally set off from the rest of a sentence with commas.

In this example, the phrase “which can be difficult to use correctly” is the nonrestrictive modifying clause. It modifies the noun comma, letting us know that commas can be challenging. Without it, however, the primary meaning of the sentence would remain intact.

In the example above, the sentence is correctly punctuated with a comma beforewhich. Another comma, placed after “correctly,” sets the phrase completely apart from the rest of the sentence. This is typical of nonrestrictive clauses.

Note: Nonrestrictive modifying clauses are also known as nonessential clauses or parenthetical expressions.

Should Which Always Be Preceded By a Comma?

The quick answer to this question is no. A comma should always precede which when it introduces a nonrestrictive clause. Otherwise, don’t place a comma prior to which.

There are several other ways that which can be used in a sentence. None of the following ways require a comma before which.

1. When Which Is Used in Prepositional Phrases.

Sometimes which forms part of a prepositional phrase. A prepositional phrase includes a preposition and a noun or pronoun that serves as the object of the preposition. It may also include adjectives that modify the object.

When which appears in prepositional phrases, it’s typically paired with a preposition.

• in which
• on which
• during which
• after which
• from which

When used this way, you don’t need a comma before the which.

2. When Which Forms a Question

Since sentences never begin with commas, it should go without saying that you don’t need one before which when it starts a sentence.

After all, it would look pretty strange if it was written as:

There is, however, another potential scenario when which forms a question. That’s the indirect question. In this scenario, a question is implied rather than asked outright. There is no question mark at the end of the sentence in indirect questions (unless they’re embedded in another question).

Essentially, both examples are asking about what items are on sale. One asks directly, while the other poses the question indirectly.

Comma After Which

Some grammarians believe that a comma can be used after which for reasons of style.

You’ll notice here that by adding a comma after the which, you end up with commas before and after it. This can lead to a choppy sentence. In this case, rephrasing may be the better option.

That vs. Which: Picking the Right Word

When learning how to punctuate a sentence using the word which, it’s important to understand when which isn’t the right word at all.

One Rule to Guide Them All

It’s easy to get tangled up choosing between that and which, but there’s a simple rule for picking the right word. That is used with restrictive clauses. Which is used with nonrestrictive clauses.

Restrictive Clauses

To simplify, restrictive clauses provide essential descriptive information about the noun they modify. They function as identifiers, essentially narrowing things down. They can’t be removed from a sentence without altering the meaning.

The restrictive clause in this sentence, “that are well-trained,” modifies the noun—in this case, dogs. This clause narrows it down to a specific category of dogs: well-trained dogs. You can’t remove the clause without altering the sentence’s essential meaning. That makes it a restrictive clause.

When used this way, there’s no need to place a comma before that.

Nonrestrictive Clauses

As discussed earlier, nonrestrictive clauses add non-essential information to a sentence. Unlike a restrictive clause, a nonrestrictive clause doesn’t alter the main meaning of the sentence.

The nonrestrictive clause, “which Amy got from a rescue,” adds interesting information and context to the noun, dog. However, you can remove the clause from the sentence without changing the meaning.

No Comma Drama

Punctuating sentences can be challenging, and even experienced writers and grammarians often struggle with proper placement of commas. Remembering simple rules of usage can take the drama out of comma placement, letting the meaning of your sentences come through loud and clear.

Quick Comma Before Which Grammar Quiz

Read More: How To Use Commas In Your Writing

Do you know when to use a comma before which — and when not to? 

Right.

That’s why you’re here. You’ve seen the word “which” used with and without commas.

And, chances are, you’ve also seen commas in places they shouldn’t be. 

You don’t need that confusion in your life.

And once you get through this post, you won’t have it.

You’ll know exactly when to put a comma with which. 

And you’ll be able to explain it to others like a seasoned pro.

The Quick and Dirty Rules on Commas Before “Which”

If you’re looking for a short answer to the question, “When do you put a comma before which?” the following rules sum it up nicely: 

• Yes to the comma — when “which” introduces a non-restrictive or defining clause;
• No to the comma — when “which” introduces a restrictive or defining clause;
• No to the comma — when “which” is part of a prepositional phrase;
• No to the comma — when “which” is part of an indirect question. 

When to Use A Comma Before “Which” 

So, the answer is “Yes” (to the comma) when the sentence as a whole could take or leave the (non-restrictive) clause set off with “which.” 

The comma is there to set it off as extraneous to the meaning of the larger sentence. 

Take out the non-restrictive (or non-defining) clause, and the meaning of the sentence stays the same. It may not communicate as much, but it still makes the same point. 

Examples: 

• Her car, which is the black compact SUV out front, is in dire need of a wash. 
• His job, which he’s had since 2016, is the best one he’s had so far.
• Her dog, which is now five years old, will always choose footwear over kibble. 

If you remove the “which” clause, the sentence still says the same thing; the meaning doesn’t change. 

• Her car is (still) in dire need of a wash.
• His job is (still) the best one he’s had so far. 
• Her dog will (still) always choose footwear over kibble. 

The extra information, since it’s not essential to the sentence’s meaning, feels more like an interruption — a break or pause in the flow of the sentence. It’s there to provide extra information. 

If it helps, you can tell yourself, “When ‘which’ has just gotta be ‘extra,’ you introduce it with a comma.” (Because comma rhymes with drama.)

When is there NOT a comma before which?

So, now that we’ve covered the ONE case with “which” that calls for a comma, let’s cover the cases where you’ll leave the comma out. 

Here’s a  quick refresher: 

• No → when “which” introduces a restrictive / defining clause; 
• No → when “which” is part of a prepositional phrase; 
• No → when “which” introduces an indirect question in a sentence

And now, for some examples, let’s start with restrictive clauses. They’re called “restrictive” because they restrict the scope of a sentence to the content introduced by the “which” clause. By doing so, they directly impact the meaning of the sentence. 

The “which” in these situations can be replaced with “that” (and often is). It can also be left out completely. In fact, the sentence often sounds better without either one. 

Examples of which with restrictive clauses: 

• “The apartment which/that she rents has a washer and dryer and walk-in closets” or “The apartment she rents has a washer…. “
• “The books which/that she keeps by her bed are her reading choices for this month” or “The books she keeps by her bed are her reading choices…. “ 
• “The cat which/that she adopted last month has torn her curtains to shreds” or “The cat she adopted last month has torn her curtains to shreds.” 

Next up are situations where “which” is part of a prepositional phrase used to avoid ending a sentence with a preposition. 

So, while you probably won’t hear them much in spoken English, using constructions like the following will make your favorite grammar purist very happy:

• On which
• In which
• Over which
• Beyond which
• With which
• Below which
• Above which
• For which
• By which

We could go on. Just take a preposition and add “which” and you can probably think of some examples like the following: 

Examples of which with prepositional phrases: 

• “The closet in which she found her coat also revealed something she never wanted to see.” 
• “Little did he know, the hook on which he rested his hat had just been painted.” 
• “The town from which she comes has a population of 123. Or it did until she left.” 
• “The name by which he’s been known actually belongs to his neighbor of two years ago, who hasn’t been heard from since.” 
• “The tools with which she fixed the car belonged to the gas station owner.” 

Finally, we get to the cases where “which” introduces an indirect or implied question. In this case, the which clause is the direct object of the preceding verb (ask, know, learn, etc.). And, as a rule, we don’t put a comma between a verb and its object. 

Examples of which with indirect or implied questions: 

• “She asked me which pair of shoes were mine.”
• “I honestly don’t know which paint colors he prefers for that room.”
• “I’m learning which native plants will thrive in our front garden beds.”

 In all of the above examples, you can use the subject and its verb to ask a question: 

• What did she ask me? (Answer: which pair of shoes… )
• What don’t I know? (Answer: which paint colors… )
• What am I learning? (Answer: which native plants… )

Since the answer to each of these questions is the direct object of the primary verb, we don’t put a comma before the “which.” 

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To illustrate this, let’s see how it looks when we put commas before other examples of direct objects: 

• She ate, the last cookie (and she wasn’t even sorry). 
• He ran, a mile before he realized he’d taken a wrong turn.
• The toddler grabbed, my earring and wouldn’t let go. 

That last one roughly illustrates how painful it is to see a comma between a verb and its object. It just doesn’t belong there.

You don’t pause between the verb and the direct object any more than you pause between a noun and its primary verb: 

• She, climbed the mountain. 
• He, confirmed our good opinion. 
• They, were not amused. 

When do you need a comma after which? 

The only time you’d need to put a comma after “which” is to set off a parenthetical phrase (also called an “aside”) — which is also not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Here are some examples; 

• “He has some questions which, just so you know, are the same as mine.” 
• “She knows exactly which, of all the shoes in her closet, are best for an interview.” 
• “They don’t know which, if any, of her kids work full-time over the summer.”
• “She hasn’t yet heard my excuse, which, by the way, is a brilliant one.” 
• “I’ve heard all you have to say, which, you should know, is not helping your case.” 

As you can see, it’s possible to have a comma both before and after a which. In those last two examples, the nonrestrictive clause starting with “which” is non-essential. So is the parenthetical phrase that comes right after the which. 

You can hear the slight pauses in both places, right? It’s as if you’re signaling the reader to slow down a bit and listen for the sudden break in the flow of the sentence.

Sure, you could just scrap those pauses and strip the sentence to its essential elements. But while you wouldn’t sacrifice the meaning, you’d lose much of the sentence’s character. 

Character and commas often go together. 

Now you know how to answer the question, “When is there a comma – before or after which?” you can explain the rules to anyone who asks. 

It turns out the only time you really need a comma is when the “which” clause isn’t strictly necessary to the sentence. 

The comma is there to make reading easier.