3

For example, I wrote this:

However, offering anything more specific than first, second, and third class will slow processing times, increase customer inconvenience and customer inequality, all of which will dampen the customer service experience JetBlue values so highly.

...but can I split it into two sentences like this?

However, offering anything more specific than first, second, and third class will slow processing times, increase customer inconvenience and customer inequality. All of which will dampen the customer service experience JetBlue values so highly.

Why or why not?

Improve this question
1
  • 1
    Yes, you can; it's fine. It is a supplementary (non-defining) relative clause. "Which" is anaphoric to the entire preceding clause. It has a finite verb phrase "will dampen the customer service experience JetBlue values so highly" ("will" is a tensed verb).
    – BillJ
    Apr 1, 2017 at 8:27

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

No, this does not work. "All of which will dampen the customer service experience JetBlue values so highly" is a relative clause, and as such, it is dependent. Only an independent clause can be used in a sentence on its own.

Improve this answer
6
  • But sentence fragments are not unacceptable per se (though they are probably better avoided in more formal registers).
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Mar 31, 2017 at 21:37
  • Ok, so "all of which" means the same thing as "which" which is a relative pronoun which is why this is a relative clause and, therefore, dependent? However, according to this website:writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/relative-clauses relative pronouns can also lead to independent clauses. For example, they say that "The person" is a relative pronoun.
    – Jiga
    Mar 31, 2017 at 23:14
  • @Jiga No, you're misreading that article (though it is poorly expressed). Note that the article has already stated: '... a “relative pronoun,” which substitutes [bolding mine] for a noun, a noun phrase, or a pronoun when sentences are combined'. They mean << 'who' is the relative pronoun substituting for the subject 'the person' of the second sentence in the uncombined version. >> I'm sure you agree that 'the dog' (also in red) can't possibly be a relative pronoun.
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Apr 1, 2017 at 0:08
  • 2
    Supplementary (non-defining) relative clauses can constitute a separate sentence, provided they contain a finite VP, compare A: "Our rent is due next week". B: "Which is why we shouldn't be going out to dinner tonight".
    – BillJ
    Apr 1, 2017 at 8:19
  • Disagree. Strip 'Of which' and you are left with all. This is not an incomplete sentence.
    – Jason P Sallinger
    Apr 1, 2017 at 11:21

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.