Do you need a comma before “who”? This question often arises in the realm of grammar and punctuation. Understanding when and why to use a comma before “who” can greatly enhance the clarity and correctness of your writing.
In the English language, the use of commas is essential for ensuring that sentences are well-structured and easy to understand. The comma before “who” can be a bit tricky, as it depends on the context in which it is used. Let’s delve into some scenarios where you might need a comma before “who” and when you might not.
One situation where you would use a comma before “who” is when “who” is introducing a clause that provides additional information about the subject. This is known as a non-restrictive relative clause. For example:
She met a friend who she had not seen in years.
In this sentence, the clause “who she had not seen in years” is non-restrictive, meaning it provides additional information about the friend. The comma before “who” helps to set off this clause, making it clear that it is not essential to the main sentence.
On the other hand, if “who” is used as a simple subject or object, you would typically not use a comma before it. For example:
Who is that man over there?
In this case, “who” is simply the subject of the question, and there is no need for a comma.
Another scenario where you might use a comma before “who” is when it is followed by a phrase that modifies the subject. For example:
She was the girl who had won the contest.
Here, the phrase “who had won the contest” modifies the subject “She,” providing additional information about her. The comma before “who” helps to set off this modifying phrase, making the sentence easier to read and understand.
In summary, the use of a comma before “who” depends on the context in which it is used. If “who” is introducing a non-restrictive relative clause, modifying the subject, or providing additional information, a comma is generally necessary. However, if “who” is simply the subject or object, a comma is not required. By understanding these rules, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.
