Relative clauses referring to a whole clause
Definition
A sentential relative clause refers to the meaning of an entire preceding clause rather than to one noun. It is normally introduced by which and separated from the preceding clause by a comma.
Examples
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The train was cancelled, which caused long delays.
Which refers to the whole situation: the train was cancelled.
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Maya accepted the offer, which surprised everyone.
The surprising fact was Maya's acceptance of the offer.
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The company lowered its prices, which should increase demand.
The prediction concerns the entire preceding event.
Noun reference vs. whole-clause reference
Maya bought a laptop which has a large screen.
Which refers specifically to a laptop.
Maya bought a laptop, which surprised Leo.
The entire fact that Maya bought a laptop surprised Leo.
Punctuation and meaning help identify the referent. A sentential relative clause comments on the complete preceding proposition.
Which is the normal relative word
A sentential relative clause is normally non-defining and uses which, not that. Careful wording may be needed when a nearby noun could create ambiguity.
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Leo missed the deadline, which meant the application was rejected.
Which refers to the missed deadline as a complete event.
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The team changed the schedule, a decision which annoyed several members.
Adding a decision makes the noun referent explicit rather than using a sentential relative.
Common mistakes
The train was cancelled, that caused long delays.
The train was cancelled, which caused long delays.
Use which, not that, for a non-defining clause referring to the whole preceding statement.
The train was cancelled which caused long delays.
The train was cancelled, which caused long delays.
A sentential relative clause is normally separated by a comma.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence contains a relative clause referring to the whole preceding clause?
Which shocked the team refers to the complete fact that Maya resigned.Which relative word is normally used for whole-clause reference?
Sentential relative clauses are normally introduced by which.Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
A comma separates the main clause from the sentential relative clause.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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