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Many people are uncertain as to the proper usage of the “Which” and “That” clauses. Here’s a tip: use “which” to begin a “descriptive clause” (also called a nonessential clause) and use “that” to begin a restrictive clause (or essential clause - a clause required to identify the noun the clause modifies).

Examples

Descriptive - non-restrictive clause:

Van Aken Road, which is in Twinsburg, is a large thoroughfare.

Restrictive - essential clause:

The Van Aken Road that is in Twinsburg, is not the Van Aken Rd. that is in Sandusky.

Tip: A descriptive clause must be preceded by a comma and then the word “which”

I’m not going to bore you with all the ins and outs of comma use, but I just attended a wonderful editor’s refresher course and I thought I’d share some tips with you as you manage your own business or personal communications:

Years and Place Names

Commas should be placed around years that follow a month and day:

On July 14, 1978, Sarah celebrated her birthday.

With “since” and “while”

When “since” and “while” are used to qualify time, no commas precede them. When they are used to denote something other than time, a comma does precede them.

When since is used to indicate a consequence:

Frank bent down to pick up the roller skate, since he didn’t want Catherine to fall. (place the comma before since)

“Since” as a time indicator:

Ed hasn’t visited the church since he moved a way. (no comma before)

“While” when you mean “but” or “on the other hand”:

I love sleeping, while my husband shovels the snow.

“While” as a time indicator

I sleep while my husband works. (no comma).