Examples

Follow the steps in each example to determine if you need a comma before the that and which clauses.

1. USA (Equestrian, which/Equestrian which) sets rules for horse shows in English riding disciplines, has an office in Lexington, Kentucky.

   Step 1. The clause begins with which.
   Step 2. The which clause modifies USA Equestrian.
   Step 3. The which clause adds additional, nonessential information to the sentence.
   Step 4. Place a comma before which.

2. The English riding (disciplines, which/disciplines which) include dressage, jumping, and eventing, have complex rules to ensure fairness to both the horses and riders.

   Step 1. The clause begins with which.
   Step 2. The which clause modifies The English riding disciplines.
   Step 3. The which clause adds additional, nonessential information to the sentence.
   Step 4. Place a comma before which.

3. Those horse (shows, that/ shows that) are officially registered with USA Equestrian are called "recognized" shows.

   Step 1. The clause begins with that. Omit the comma.

4. Horse (shows, that/shows that) are not officially registered are called "unrecognized" or "schooling" shows.

   Step 1. The clause begins with that. Omit the comma.

5. Schooling (shows, which/shows which) are typically more informal than recognized shows, offer competitors a chance to prepare for recognized competitions.

   Step 1. The clause begins with which.
   Step 2. The which clause modifies schooling shows.
   Step 3. The which clause adds additional, nonessential information to the sentence.
   Step 4. Place a comma before which.