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34.1 More on restrictive/nonrestrictive use of commas

The rules for the restrictive/nonrestrictive use of commas complement those for the use of which vs. that. In formal writing, use that to introduce a restrictive clause, or one that is essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use which to introduce a nonrestrictive clause, or one that does not add essential information. Use commas only with which clauses.

The suit that I bought for Joe's wedding is the only one that has ever fit me perfectly.
(Restrictive. We need to know what suit.)

Now, I need some shoes that will go with my suit.
(Restrictive. It is essential information that the shoes match the suit.)

My old dress shoes, which have been gathering dust in the closet, are the wrong style and color.
(Nonrestrictive. We do not need to know that the shoes have been gathering dust.)

I need to buy the shoes by Friday, which is the day before the wedding.
(Nonrestrictive. Knowing that Friday is the day before the wedding is useful, but it is not essential to the meaning of the main clause.)



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