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Restrictive Versus Nonrestrictive Clauses
When to Use That, Which, or Who

Ever wonder when to use that, which, or who in a sentence? Should the clause be set off with commas? Try these tips to help you decide.

A restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence. Without the clauses (shown in italics) the sentences would have a different meaning. Restrictive clauses should not be set off by commas and that is the preferred choice.

A nonrestrictive clause provides additional information; however, that information is not essential to convey the meaning of the sentence. Deleting the nonrestrictive clause does not change the meaning of the sentence. For nonrestrictive clauses, the preferred choice is which with the clause set off by commas.

To further complicate the issue, who can be used for both restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses when referring to people or to things that take on human qualities.  If the clause doesn’t change the meaning of the sentence, it is nonrestrictive and can be set off by commas.

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