[Grammar] what the word “which” refers to

[uktous]

Hi,

Question1:
Someone suggests that what the word “which” refers to always depend on what come after “which”.
Is it true?

Question2:
In my following 2 sentences, the “which” refer to abilities regardless of with or without a comma.
Is it true?


Sentence1:
I want to further develop my analytic abilities which are important for an accountant.
Sentence2:
I want to further develop my analytic abilities, which are important for an accountant.


Thanks

 

[Linguist__]

(Not a teacher)

Yes, which refers to your analytical abilities, but I don't think the comma should be there. It doesn't change the meaning, it just makes it seem incorrect.

 

[fighting spirit]

Yes, which refers to your analytical abilities, but I don't think the comma should be there. It doesn't change the meaning,

Sure it does.
Both sentences are correct, but the meaning is different.

Sentence1:
I want to further develop my analytic abilities which are important for an accountant.

meaning that you want to develop just those analytic abilities that you find important for an accountant. There are more analytic abilities than those you want to develop further.

Sentence2:
I want to further develop my analytic abilities, which are important for an accountant.

meaning all analytic abilities that are, by the way, important for an accountant.