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4444mv Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

which

I came across this sentence and I don't know exactly how to analyse it.

The devices have a distinctive nature that mimics particles, which are considered electrons.

In my opinion, the comma is wrong there. Am I right?

My try: that mimics particles...(up to)..electrons = restrictive relative clause/postmodifier.
which are considered electrons= restrictive relative clause (without a comma)/postmodifier.  

If the comma is correctly placed,  does 'which refer to 'the devices'? 
Thanks!
  

Top answer

Electrons are particles, not devices—you must use your external knowledge to recognize this. To my mind, the comma is the option of the writer: he may consider the clause either restrictive or non-restrictive.

— Mister Micawber

  • Electrons are particles, not devices—you must use your external knowledge to recognize this.
  • To my mind, the comma is the option of the writer: he may consider the clause either restrictive or non-restrictive.
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4 Answers
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Electrons are particles, not devices—you must use your external knowledge to recognize this. To my mind, the comma is the option of the writer: he may consider the clause either restrictive or non-restrictive.
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Mister MicawberElectrons are particles, not devices—you must use your external knowledge to recognize this. To my mind, the comma is the option of the writer: he may consider the clause either restrictive or non-restrictive.
Ok. If it is a non-restrictive clause, does it refer to the first noun or to the whole sentence? Are which and that rela
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Either way, it refers to 'particles'.
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Mister MicawberEither way, it refers to 'particles'.
Thank you, Mister Micawber.
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