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. Because “which” indicates a non-restrictive (optional) clause, it is usually set off by commas before “which” and at the end of the clause.
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What is the rule for using that or which?
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.
What is the main difference between which and that?
The best way to understand the difference between that and which is to use “parenthesis”. If the sentence is complete without parenthesis, you can use ‘which’, but if it is not, then use ‘that’.
Can I replace which with that?
When “who” or “which” introduces a clause that is required to define the word it modifies, there are no commas, and the “who” or the “which” can be replaced by “that.” If the “who” or “which” introduces additional information that is not essential to define the word it modifies, then the “who” or the “which” will be
What is the difference between which and that in relative pronouns?
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.
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.
What does that which mean?
The that is a pronoun referring back to a noun phrase and the which is the relative pronoun used for non-animate antecedents.
Who Which And that difference?
Which as a Relative Pronoun. The difference between which and that is how they are used. They both identify objects and non-humans, but unlike that, which is appropriate in sentences with non-restrictive clauses.
Which that use examples?
Using Which vs. That
Word | What Does It Do? | Example |
---|---|---|
which | adds information | The dog, which I’ve complained about before, barked all night. |
that | clarifies what noun you’re talking about | The dog that barks all night kept me awake. |
Which includes or that includes?
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 do you replace that in a sentence?
To decide whether you can omit “that” from a sentence, check how naturally and intelligibly the sentence reads without it. Usually, you can drop “that” if it follows a verb that essentially means “to say.” This omission mimics natural speech and shouldn’t change the meaning of the sentence.
How do you make a sentence with that?
That sentence example
- I thought that was the best way to carry her.
- I can’t imagine what he was thinking to hide a thing like that from you.
- Well, if my cooking is that bad…
- The suitcase didn’t seem that heavy at the time.
- He spoke so well that everybody was pleased.
- That didn’t sound very nice.
Who which 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.
Who have Vs that have?
Rule: Who refers to people. That may refer to people, animals, groups, or things, but who is preferred when referring to people. Example: Anya is the one who rescued the bird. NOTE: While Anya is the one that rescued the bird is also correct, who is preferred.
Is whose and who’s the same?
Who’s. Who’s is a contraction linking the words who is or who has, and whose is the possessive form of who. They may sound the same, but spelling them correctly can be tricky.
Which vs that sentences?
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.”The “which” clause is non-essential or non-restrictive, and as such, is always set off from the rest of the sentence with commas.
Which used in grammar?
We use which in questions as a determiner and interrogative pronoun to ask for specific information: ‘Which car are we going in? ‘ he asked Alexander.
What do em dashes do?
The em dash can function like a comma, a colon, or parenthesis. Like commas and parentheses, em dashes set off extra information, such as examples, explanatory or descriptive phrases, or supplemental facts. Like a colon, an em dash introduces a clause that explains or expands upon something that precedes it.
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.
Why do we use in Which?
“In which” is a combination of a preposition “in” and a relative pronoun, “which.” You can use “in which” as a precise way to introduce a relative clause after a noun that refers to a place or to a time.
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.