Which vs. That: The two words that are commonly used interchangeably, especially in relative clauses, but they actually are quite different. In this post, we will explore the differences between “which” and “that” and provide examples to help you understand when to use each one correctly, so that you can master this grammatical aspect in no time! Let’s get started.
Which vs. That
Which vs. That: Understanding English Grammar
Which vs. That: Definition and Usage
When it comes to using ‘which’ and ‘that’ in your writing, it’s important to understand the differences between the two. Both words are used to introduce clauses, but they have different meanings and uses.
Which
‘Which’ is used to introduce nonrestrictive clauses, which provide additional information that is not necessary for the sentence to make sense. Nonrestrictive clauses are set off by commas and can be removed from the sentence without changing its meaning.
Here are some examples of sentences using ‘which’:
- My car, which is blue, needs an oil change.
- The book, which was written by my favorite author, is on my nightstand.
- The cookies, which were baked this morning, are still warm.
That
‘That’ is used to introduce restrictive clauses, which provide information that is necessary for the sentence to make sense. Restrictive clauses are not set off by commas and cannot be removed from the sentence without changing its meaning.
Here are some examples of sentences using ‘that’:
- The car that needs an oil change is blue.
- The book that is on my nightstand was written by my favorite author.
- The cookies that were baked this morning are still warm.
It’s important to note that ‘that’ can also be used in nonrestrictive clauses, but only in informal writing. In formal writing, ‘which’ should be used for nonrestrictive clauses.
Which vs. That: Examples
Here are some more examples to help illustrate the difference between “which” and “that”:
- The car that I bought last week is red. (Restrictive clause)
- The car, which I bought last week, is red. (Nonrestrictive clause)
- The coffee that I drank this morning was cold. (Restrictive clause)
- The coffee, which I drank this morning, was cold. (Nonrestrictive clause)
- The dog that barked at me was scary. (Restrictive clause)
- The dog, which barked at me, was scary. (Nonrestrictive clause)
Contextual Usage of ‘Which’
Non-Restrictive Clauses
Non-restrictive clauses are clauses that can be removed from the sentence without changing the meaning of the sentence. They are usually set off by commas and provide additional information about the subject of the sentence. For example:
- The house, which was built in the 1800s, is now a museum.
In this sentence, the non-restrictive clause ‘which was built in the 1800s’ provides additional information about the subject of the sentence, ‘the house’, but it’s not essential to the meaning of the sentence.
Questions and Interrogatives
‘Which’ can also be used to introduce questions and interrogatives. In this context, ‘which’ is used to indicate a choice between two or more options. For example:
- Which movie do you want to watch, A or B?
In this sentence, ‘which’ is used to indicate a choice between two movies, ‘A’ and ‘B’. Another example:
- Which of these books do you recommend, A or B?
In this sentence, ‘which’ is used to indicate a choice between two books, ‘A’ and ‘B’.
When using ‘which’ in questions and interrogatives, it’s important to provide clear options for the person being asked. This helps to avoid confusion and ensures that the person being asked can provide an accurate response.
Contextual Usage of ‘That’
Restrictive Clauses
One of the most common uses of ‘that’ is in restrictive clauses. A restrictive clause is a clause that provides essential information to the sentence and cannot be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence. In such cases, ‘that’ is used to introduce the clause.
For example:
- The book that I read last night was fantastic.
- The car that I bought last year broke down.
In these examples, the clauses ‘that I read last night’ and ‘that I bought last year’ are essential to the sentence’s meaning and cannot be removed without changing the sentence’s meaning.
Demonstrative Pronouns
Another common use of ‘that’ is as a demonstrative pronoun. In this case, ‘that’ is used to indicate a specific person, place, or thing.
For example:
- That is my car parked outside.
- That book on the shelf is mine.
In these examples, ‘that’ is used to indicate a specific object or item. The use of ‘that’ in this context emphasizes the specificity of the object or item.
It is essential to note that ‘that’ is not used in nonrestrictive clauses, which provide additional information but can be removed from the sentence without changing the meaning. In such cases, ‘which’ is used instead.
For example:
- The book, which I read last night, was fantastic.
- The car, which I bought last year, broke down.
In these examples, the clauses ‘which I read last night’ and ‘which I bought last year’ are nonrestrictive and provide additional information to the sentence without changing the sentence’s meaning.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Incorrect Placement
One of the most common mistakes people make when using “which” and “that” is incorrect placement. It’s important to remember that “that” is used for essential clauses, while “which” is used for non-essential clauses.
For example, consider the following sentences:
- The book that I read last night was amazing.
- The book, which I read last night, was amazing.
In the first sentence, “that” is used because the clause “I read last night” is essential to the meaning of the sentence. Without it, the sentence would not make sense.
In the second sentence, “which” is used because the clause “I read last night” is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. It simply provides additional information.
To avoid incorrect placement, always ask yourself whether the clause is essential or non-essential before choosing between “that” and “which”.
Overuse
Another common mistake is overusing “that” and “which”. While these words are useful for clarifying meaning, they can also make sentences more complex and difficult to read.
To avoid overuse, try to use “that” and “which” only when necessary. If the sentence makes sense without them, leave them out.
For example:
- The car that I bought last week is red.
- The car I bought last week is red.
In this case, the second sentence is simpler and easier to read without “that”.
Using “That” and “Which” when Who is Needed
“Who” is used for people. Therefore, if the clause refers to a person, “who” should be used instead of “that” or “which.” For example, “The teacher who helped me was kind” is correct, while “The teacher that helped me was kind” or “The teacher which helped me was kind” are both incorrect.
Using a Comma before That in Relative Clauses
A comma is not used before “that” in essential clauses (clauses that are necessary to the meaning of the sentence), but may be used before “that” in non-essential clauses (clauses that provide additional information but are not necessary to the meaning of the sentence).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a defining clause?
A defining clause, also known as a restrictive clause, is a clause that provides essential information about the noun it modifies. It cannot be removed from the sentence without changing its meaning. Defining clauses are usually introduced by the word “that.”
How do you use which in a sentence?
Which is used to introduce non-defining clauses, also known as nonrestrictive clauses. These clauses provide additional information about the noun they modify, but they are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Non-defining clauses are usually set off by commas.
What is the difference between that and which in a sentence?
The main difference between that and which is that that is used to introduce defining clauses, while which is used to introduce non-defining clauses. That is used when the information provided by the clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence, while which is used when the information provided is not essential.
When should I use ‘that’ instead of ‘which’?
You should use that instead of which when the information provided by the clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence. In other words, when the clause is a defining clause. If the clause is non-defining, you should use which.
Can ‘which’ be used in the middle of a sentence?
Yes, which can be used in the middle of a sentence to introduce a non-defining clause. The clause is usually set off by commas.
What is the difference between a restrictive and nonrestrictive clause?
A restrictive clause, also known as a defining clause, provides essential information about the noun it modifies. It cannot be removed from the sentence without changing its meaning. A nonrestrictive clause, also known as a non-defining clause, provides additional information about the noun it modifies, but it is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Nonrestrictive clauses are usually set off by commas.
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