Comma before 'which'?

Question

Is there a specific rule with regards to using commas before the word 'which'.

'Without consulting Sarah, I took a small detour and drove to the McDonald’s drive-thru, which was close to our flat.'

I don't know if the comma should be in the above sentence, I think it may disrupt the flow of speech. What do you think?

Fivejedjon · Accepted Answer

ryansamturnerIs there a specific rule with regards to using commas before the word 'which'. 'Without consulting Sarah, I took a small detour and drove to the McDonald’s drive-thru, which was close to our flat.'

In your sentence, which has a comma, the 'which was close to our flat' gives extra information about one particular McDonalds known to the speaker. This is an example of a non-defining relative clause.

If we omit the comma, then the 'which was close to our flat' defines which particular one of several McDonalds the speaker is taking about. This would be an example of a defining relative clause. In defining (but not in non-defining) relative clauses, 'who' and 'which' can be replaced by 'that'.

CalifJim · Answer

ryansamturnerrule with regards to using commas before the word 'which'.

For an example where the comma changes the meaning, see

CJ

Canadian45 · Answer

I think it may disrupt the flow of speech. What do you think?

Necessary commas do not disrupt the flow of "speech".

Comma before 'which'?

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