That vs. Which

Attribute	That	Which
Usage	Used to introduce restrictive clauses	Used to introduce both restrictive and non-restrictive clauses
Restrictiveness	Indicates essential information that is necessary for the sentence's meaning	Can indicate both essential and non-essential information
Commas	Generally not used before "that"	Commas are used before "which" in non-restrictive clauses
Subject/Object	Can be used as both subject and object in a sentence	Can be used as both subject and object in a sentence
Informality	Considered more informal in some contexts	Considered more formal in some contexts
Prepositions	Can be used after prepositions	Can be used after prepositions
Relative Pronoun	Can be used as a relative pronoun	Can be used as a relative pronoun

Introduction

When it comes to writing, the proper use of grammar and punctuation is essential for clear and effective communication. Two words that often cause confusion are "that" and "which." Both words are used as relative pronouns, but they have distinct attributes and usage rules. In this article, we will explore the differences between "that" and "which" and provide examples to help you understand when to use each word correctly.

Defining "That" and "Which"

Let's start by defining the two words. "That" and "which" are both relative pronouns used to introduce relative clauses in a sentence. A relative clause provides additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. However, the key difference lies in their usage and the type of information they introduce.

Restrictive Clauses with "That"

"That" is primarily used to introduce restrictive clauses. A restrictive clause provides essential information that is necessary to identify or define the noun it modifies. These clauses cannot be removed from the sentence without changing its meaning. Here are a few key attributes of "that" in restrictive clauses:

• "That" is not preceded by a comma when introducing a restrictive clause.
• The restrictive clause introduced by "that" is not set off by commas.
• The information provided by the restrictive clause is crucial for the sentence's meaning.
• Removing the restrictive clause would result in an incomplete or ambiguous sentence.

Consider the following example: "The bookthat I borrowed from the library is due tomorrow." In this sentence, the restrictive clause "that I borrowed from the library" is essential to identify which book is being referred to. Without this information, the sentence would lack clarity.

Non-Restrictive Clauses with "Which"

"Which," on the other hand, is used to introduce non-restrictive clauses. Non-restrictive clauses provide additional, non-essential information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. These clauses can be removed from the sentence without altering its core meaning. Let's explore the attributes of "which" in non-restrictive clauses:

• "Which" is usually preceded by a comma when introducing a non-restrictive clause.
• The non-restrictive clause introduced by "which" is set off by commas.
• The information provided by the non-restrictive clause is not crucial for the sentence's meaning.
• Removing the non-restrictive clause would not significantly impact the sentence's clarity or completeness.

For example, consider the sentence: "My car,which is red, needs a new paint job." In this case, the non-restrictive clause "which is red" provides additional information about the car but is not necessary to identify which car is being referred to. The sentence would still make sense without this clause.

Additional Usage Considerations

While the above distinctions between "that" and "which" are the primary ones, there are a few additional usage considerations to keep in mind:

Prepositions

When a preposition is involved, the choice between "that" and "which" can be influenced. If a preposition is used before the relative pronoun, "which" is generally preferred. For example: "The house inwhich I grew up was recently sold." However, if the preposition is part of the verb phrase, "that" is typically used. For instance: "The car that I was driving broke down."

Commas and Parentheses

As mentioned earlier, non-restrictive clauses introduced by "which" are set off by commas. However, if the non-restrictive clause appears within parentheses, commas are not necessary. For example: "The movie (which I watched last night) was fantastic."

Informal Usage

In informal speech or writing, the distinction between "that" and "which" is often blurred, and the two words are used interchangeably. However, in formal writing or when aiming for grammatical precision, it is important to adhere to the correct usage rules.

Conclusion

In summary, "that" and "which" are both relative pronouns used to introduce clauses in a sentence. "That" is used for restrictive clauses that provide essential information, while "which" is used for non-restrictive clauses that provide additional, non-essential information. Understanding the distinctions between these two words and their usage rules is crucial for clear and effective communication. By using "that" and "which" correctly, you can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.