Complex Sentences & which vs that

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Hi All -1.) Bobby sent out the letters describing the nature of the event.2.) Bobby sent out the letters describing the nature of the event, resulting in a public uproar. I believe the two sentences are grammatically correct, but my question is - why put a comma after "event" and not after "letters"?Also, I know which is used for non-restricted clauses and that is used for restrictive clauses, but does anyone have other helpful rules to discern when to use each one?Thanks for the help

BillJ · Accepted Answer

anonymous1.) Bobby sent out the letters describing the nature of the event. 2.) Bobby sent out the letters describing the nature of the event, resulting in a public uproar. I believe the two sentences are grammatically correct, but my question is - why put a comma after "event" and not after "letters"?

They are quite different constructions. Resulting in public uproar is a result adjunct (or at least it has a resultative meaning). Such adjuncts are typically prosodically detached, with the status of supplements, hence the comma. Note, though, that the comma is strictly speaking optional, though preferred.

By contrast, describing the nature of the event is a gerund-participial clause modifying "letters". The clause is semantically restrictive, so no comma is required.

anonymousAlso, I know which is used for non-restricted clauses and that is used for restrictive clauses, but does anyone have other helpful rules to discern when to use each one?

That's not the case. Both "that" and "which" can be used in restrictive relative clauses, but only "which" can be used in non-restrictive relatives.

Complex Sentences & which vs that

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