modifier which with a single comma on the left

[yongwookl716]

Hello. I have a quick question about the modifier 'which'.

I've learned that 'which' should only modify the noun preceding it and that commas should come before and after non-essential modifiers.

Is it wrong to use "which" at the end of the sentence with a comma to modify the noun preceding it?

For example, I get that this sentence

The red mansion owned by Lees, which is old.

is wrong beause "which ~~" illogically modifies the Lees.

However, is it okay to write.

The Lees own a red mansion, which is old.


Assuming that the modifier is non-essential.?

[RonPurewal]

in the usage permitted by GMAC, "which" can modify exactly two kinds of things:
1/ a noun;
2/ a noun + preposition + noun (e.g., The legs of the table, which are long and thin, could be broken easily.)

for an official example of #2, see sentence correction problem 29 in the OG (13th or 2015 edition) / problem 28 in the 12th edition.

[RonPurewal]

The red mansion owned by Lees, which is old.

... so that ^^ is unacceptable, since it has neither of the two constructions enumerated above.

also, you called this a "sentence". you know that this is not a complete sentence, right?