31/5/17 That, Which, and Who in Legal Writing
That introduces a restrictive clause, one that can’t be left out without changing the meaning of the sentence <all businesses that violate antitrust laws should be shut down
[not all business, just some]>.
Which introduces a non-restrictive clause, one set off by commas and whose omission would not change the meaning <the statute, which was signed yesterday, will take effect on September 1>.
Who can be restrictive or non-restrictive; it follows the same rules <the candidate who spoke at the school won the election> <you, who disagreed with me, voted for the loser>.
Which introduces a non-restrictive clause, one set off by commas and whose omission would not change the meaning <the statute, which was signed yesterday, will take effect on September 1>.
Who can be restrictive or non-restrictive; it follows the same rules <the candidate who spoke at the school won the election> <you, who disagreed with me, voted for the loser>.
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