Is there a comma before the word which

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

Comma Before Which: Confused about using a comma before which?. Well, using which can be very tricky, right? Whenever we write a sentence in the English language, we have to face this type of problem. We cannot even ignore this thing because it is very important to use.

Commas are punctuation marks and easily can be seen anywhere in text or paragraph. It is used to pause any sentence so that the reader can easily understand it. But putting commas in a text can also be very challenging. So roll your eyes to our complete guide, which will tell you perfectly when to put a comma before Which.

You must be thinking that experienced writers do not face such problems of using commas before a word “which” while writing, but it is not completely true. Even they sometimes find it hard to place it in any text. That’s why to avoid similar problems, you must know how to use it properly. Once you know these rules well, you will never face any problem using commas before which.

• Which – an Introduction
• Useful Terms
• When To Use A Comma Before Which
• Restrictive Clause/ Defining Clause: Don’t Use Comma
• Prepositional Phrases: No Comma Required
• No Comma Is Required While Forming The Questions
• FAQ’s on Comma Before Which
• Conclusion on Comma Before Which

Which – an Introduction

Well, “which” is a relative determiner and a relative pronoun that introduces relative clauses. You must have read about relative pronouns in English, such as whom,

who, which, and that. These are very common relative pronouns and can be seen everywhere while reading or writing. Apart from that, for representing the main antecedent which is used in restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses relatively.

Useful Terms

A nonrestrictive phrase is usually known for including information that is not compulsory. Means it doesn’t change the meaning of the sentence. It gives you a bonus detail. A nonrestrictive phrase defines a thing that is understood.

For example-

I don’t need low-quality products, which break easily.

In the above example, you can see an additional detail (break easily), which is not compulsory.

A restrictive phrase is a clause that can change the meaning of a sentence and works as an identifier. Generally, when a noun precedes it, it modifies that noun. So don’t remove them.

For example-

Pizza is a food that she likes to eat.

In the above example, that she likes to eat is an adjective restrictive clause with the subject she. Here the noun Pizza is being modified by giving some information about it.

When To Use A Comma Before Which

Whenever we refer to any previously mentioned things, then “which” is used there normally. “Which” is used to explain the hidden things that are informative to the reader. While writing any text, when we use which, we often make a nonrestrictive phrase. And this is where you have to use the comma. Use only one comma if it’s used in the last phrase. Also, wherever you see this word in between two sentences, you have to use two commas.

Its speciality here is that if you remove this word from the sentence, the sentence does not remain incomplete. In simple words, it does not affect any sentence.

See the below examples:

1. Burj Khalifa, which has 160 floors, holds the world record for the largest number of floors.
2. Those important papers, which you gave to me yesterday, have been torn by mistake.
3. The popular Mediterranean Sea, which is also called the incubator of Western civilization, has over 3,000 islands.
4. The Qutub Minar, which is known as the highest tower in India, was built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1193.
5. Eiffel tower, which Gustave Eiffel built, is 985 feet tall.
6. Riya’s beautiful house, which is very costly, attracts every tourist.
7. Justin’s new song, which he spent three years writing, is now a huge hit.
8. Director liked Rebecca’s music video, which she had sung in her college.

In the above eight examples, one can remove the clauses/phrases because removing them won’t affect the sentences. We call them nonrestrictive phrases/clauses because they are free, not restricted by the rest of the sentence.

See below for better understanding –

1. Burj Khalifa holds the world record for the largest number of floors.
2. Those important papers have been torn by mistake.
3. The popular Mediterranean Sea has over 3,000 islands.
4. The Qutub Minar was built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1193.
5. The Eiffel tower is 985 feet tall.
6. Riya’s beautiful house attracts every tourist.
7. Justin’s new song is now a huge hit.
8. Director liked Rebecca’s music video.

Restrictive Clause/ Defining Clause: Don’t Use Comma

Examples-

• The shoes which I ordered online were a bit costly.
• The book which I purchased was worth reading.

In the above examples, you are not required to use a comma because that will completely change the sentence’s meaning.

Prepositional Phrases: No Comma Required

Suppose you see a preposition before a word which you don’t need to use a comma there. A prepositional phrase is made of a preposition and a noun/pronoun, which works as the preposition’s object in a text.

The most common propositions are- above, against, by, from, in, beneath, into, near, off, on, across, toward, under, upon, with, among, around, at, before, behind, to, below, beside and along.

Well, this how which looks when it’s written with a preposition-

• in which
• on which
• With which
• about which
• during which
• after which
• over which
• around which
• at which
• By which
• of which
• from which

If you see the use of this word anywhere in this form or way, then do not use a comma.

Let see some of the examples below

• They heard five songs, the longest of which played 7 minutes long. (wrong use )
• They heard five songs, the longest of which played 7 minutes long. (correct use)

• That bag in which the chocolates were kept was lost yesterday. (improper use).
• That bag in which the chocolates were kept was lost yesterday. (correct use)

• The stage on which we danced was broken, unfortunately. (wrong use )
• The stage on which we danced was broken, unfortunately. (correct use)

• Suddenly, she began to undo the knots of the clothes by which she was bound tightly. (wrong use)
• Suddenly, she began to undo the knots of the clothes by which she was bound tightly. (correct use)

• This is the famous ground, which she used to play football. (wrong use )
• This is the ground on which she used to play football. (correct use)

• Rachelle saw a crime show in which a man killed his friends. (wrong use )
• Rachelle saw a crime show in which a man killed his friends. (correct use)

• The new city to, which Kyle Jennette moved was completely different. (wrong use )
• The new city to which Kyle Jennette moved was completely different. (correct use)

• This is the university from, which henna graduated was highly reputed. (wrong use )
• This is the university from which henna graduated was highly reputed. (correct use)

So there are some examples above that have been shown properly to you to understand this topic clearly.

No Comma Is Required While Forming The Questions

Don’t use commas for both direct and indirect questions or “which” is used to form a question.

Let’s see this interrogative pronoun’s examples below, which is for direct questions.

1. With which friend will you go there?
2. Could she tell him which car she likes?
3. Which bags do you like to buy?
4. Which pencil would you like to purchase?
5. Which jeans should John buy?
6. Which clothes did you buy from that market?
7. Which phone brands do you prefer, Motorola or Samsung?
8. Which one are you, sir?
9. Which city is most polluted?
10. Which flavour do you prefer often?

So after the above examples, here comes the next situation when written text is an indirect question.

Examples-

• Rache asked Samantha, which shoes she should buy. (wrong use)
• Rachel asked Samantha which shoes she should buy. (correct use)
• Mykle asked his son, which keys he had lost. (wrong use)
• Mykle asked his son which keys he had lost.
• I asked my mom, which jacket was sold. (wrong use)
• I asked my mom which jacket was sold. (correct use)
• She asked Uncle, which candy she should take. (wrong use)
• She asked Uncle which candy she should take. (correct use)

We learnt

• We should always put a comma before which if it introduces a nonrestrictive phrase/non-defining clause.
• We should not put a comma before it if “which” makes an indirect question.
• We should not put a comma before which if it is a prepositional phrase’s part.

So now, you must have understood this clearly that you can not put a comma before that if ‘which is used with a restrictive clause, you don’t need to put a comma before that.

Nonrestrictive clauses are used with which, and restrictive clauses are used with that.

FAQ’s on Comma Before Which

Question 1.
Should I always use a comma before which?

Answer:
Well, we will say no because it is only possible when it introduces a nonrestrictive phrase. So you are requested to use it at that place only.

Conclusion on Comma Before Which

The rules we have followed for which the same rules have to be followed for other relative pronouns such as whose, who and where. From the whole article, we know that there is only one possible way to use a comma before which. In simple words when you are free to use a comma even after removing the phrase. On the contrary, there are many places where we don’t need to place a comma.

When you learn to use these rules perfectly, then your articles will be very surpassing and understandable. Also, a reader will understand your feelings/connotation in a better way. We hope our guide ‘when to put a comma before Which’ helped you in some way to understand this topic. After reading all the points and headings written above, it is confirmed that it is not as difficult as we assumed.

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.