Which vs. That: How to Choose
- In a defining clause, use that.
- In non-defining clauses, use which.
- Remember, which is as disposable as a sandwich bag. If you can remove the clause without destroying the meaning of the sentence, the clause is nonessential and you can use which.
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What is the difference between which and that?
The standard rule of grammar is that the usage of that vs. which depends upon whether the following clause is restrictive or non-restrictive. “That” is used to indicate a specific object, item, person, condition, etc., while “which” is used to add information to objects, items, people, situations, etc.
When can we use that instead of who or which?
Usage and style notes
Some people seem to believe in one or both of these two rules: When talking about things in defining (restrictive) relative clauses, that should always be used instead of which. When talking about people in defining (restrictive) relative clauses, who is preferred to that.
How do you use that in a sentence?
You use at that after a statement which modifies or emphasizes what you have just said. Success never seems to come but through hard work, often physically demanding work at that.
Can which and that be used interchangeably?
Contrary to popular belief, “which” and “that” do not function in a similar capacity. Although “which” and “that” are both pronouns, they are not interchangeable. “Which” is used for non-restrictive phrases, and “that” is used for restrictive phrases.
How do you use that and which in a sentence?
The clause that comes after the word “which” or “that” is the determining factor in deciding which one to use. If the clause is absolutely pertinent to the meaning of the sentence, you use “that.” If you could drop the clause and leave the meaning of the sentence intact, use “which.”
What does that which mean?
Examples. In these examples, that which is just a wordy way of saying what and could be shortened: That which has been obvious for some time now is finally being officially acknowledged. [
Who which or that clause examples?
Take a noun (person or thing) and add information to it in the form of a “who” or “which” clause. Examples: The lion was most grateful for the appearance of the little mouse. The lion, who felt he would never be able to disentangle himself from the hunter’s net, was most grateful for the appearance of the little mouse.
Can a sentence start with that?
A sentence beginning with “that” usually uses it as a subject/noun. “That is the sort of thing I dislike.” “That is the question.” In these sentences, “that” is a demonstrative pronoun. It may be also used at the beginning to modify a noun.
What is that in grammar?
from English Grammar Today. That is a very common word in both writing and speaking. We use it as a determiner, a demonstrative pronoun and a relative pronoun. We also use it as a conjunction to introduce that-clauses.
Does that is need a comma?
When should we put a comma before “that”? A comma before “that” is only necessary when it introduces parenthetical information in the middle or at the end of a sentence. Inserting a parenthetical that-remark is possible regardless of the part of speech it belongs to.
What is the difference between that and which in relative pronoun?
The grammatical explanation is that “which” introduces a non-essential clause, meaning that it doesn’t define the noun it’s describing, while “that” introduces an essential clause, meaning that it clarifies exactly which noun the sentence is about.
How do you use that as a relative pronoun?
A relative pronoun is used to connect a clause or phrase to a noun or pronoun. The clause modifies or describes the noun.
What Is a Relative Pronoun?
| Relative Pronoun | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| whom | replaces object pronouns like me, her, him | The man whom they found was sent home. |
Are this and that interchangeable?
If you would point to it, use “that”; if you would hold it up to show them, use “this”.
Which include or that include?
Luckily there’s an easy way to remember whether to use that or which. If the relative clause contains information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence, and is also preceded by a comma, a dash, or parenthesis, it’s probably nonrestrictive, so use which. If not, odds are it’s restrictive, so use that.
How about that means?
(rhetorical question) A general statement of surprise or bemusement with regard to a particular event.; isn’t that good, or excellent, etc. phrase.
Can I use both and which?
You can use either which or that to introduce a restrictive clause—the grounds for your choice should be stylistic—and which to introduce a nonrestrictive clause.If it is not surrounded by commas, then it is most likely a restrictive clause, and you can choose to give it a that or a which.
What part of speech is in Which?
It can either be used as an adjective or as a pronoun. This word is considered as an adjective when it is used to modify a noun. It can either indicate what particular one or it can also mean “whichever.” For example, in the sentence below: I’m still deciding on which coat should I wear.
How do you remember vs Which?
Here’s an easy way to remember the difference between that and which: If removing the words that follow would change the meaning of the sentence, use “that.” Otherwise, “which” is fine.
How do you use that clause?
That-clause as a noun clause
- A that-clause is an example of a noun clause.
- I believe that he is innocent.
- Here the that-clause ‘that he is innocent’ is the object of the verb believe.
- She said that she can speak three languages. (
- I suspect that she eloped with her boyfriend.
Who versus that in a sentence?
Who is always used to refer to people. That is always used when you are talking about an object. That can also be used when you are talking about a class or type of person, such as a team.