Which referring to a whole clause

The idea

Put a comma after the preceding clause and add which followed by a verb or another clause. Here which refers to the situation as a whole.

Examples

• Mina missed the last bus, which meant she had to walk home.
• The neighbours shared their tools, which saved everyone money.
• The museum stayed open late, which pleased the visitors.
• Our flight landed early, which gave us time for breakfast.
• Leo forgot the map, which made the hike more difficult.
• The team finished ahead of schedule, which surprised their coach.

Watch out

Do not replace which with that in this non-defining clause. Make the intended reference clear: it can otherwise seem to refer to a nearby noun.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct answer. The library closed early, ___ disappointed us. (which / who)

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   which

   which refers to the library closing early; who refers to people.

2. Choose the correct answer. The train was delayed___ which made us late. (comma / no comma)

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   comma

   comma separates the extra comment from the preceding clause.

3. Choose the correct answer. Sara passed the exam, which delighted her family. What delighted them? (her success / the exam itself)

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   her success

   her success is what delighted the family: the comment refers to Sara passing.

Use it today

Write a sentence about an unexpected event and add a comment about its effect.