April 24, 2011
english grammar – is microsoft word correct to always insist on a comma before the word “which”?
don’t know which answer is correct – 2nd one sounds like he knows what he’s talking about, but i feel that the language has evolved – and that which can often be used instead of that…anyone else?
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Filed under Grammar FAQ by on Apr 24th, 2011. Comment. 
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Comments on english grammar – is microsoft word correct to always insist on a comma before the word “which”?
Of course it’s automatic grammar checker is not ALWAYS correct, but you would often have a comma before the word “which”. I all depends on the context.
Ex. The cat, which is always getting into trouble, has clawed the sofa again.
The commas set off a separate thought within the sentence.
Ex.2 The road which goes east is the one you need to take.
No commas in that one.
“Which” introduces a non-essential clause or phrase, and this means that the clause or phrase is not needed for the meaning of the sentence to be clear. It is always set off with commas. “That” introduces an essential clause or phrase and is needed for the meaning of the sentence to be clear. There are no commas used to set off an essential clause. Yes, it is correct that Microsoft insists on the comma.