In English, nuances often dictate our word choices, and one pair that tends to trip up even the most seasoned writers is “which” and “that.” While they may seem similar at first glance, these words have distinct functions in sentence structure. Understanding when to use “which” or “that” is vital for conveying your message clearly. Interestingly, the rules surrounding these terms can vary between British and American English, which adds another layer to the complexity. If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing your word choice in this context, you’re not alone! Let’s dive deeper into their usage and clear up the confusion once and for all.
The Grammatical Difference: “Which” or “That”?
So, what exactly is the difference? Both “which” and “that” are relative pronouns used to introduce subordinate clauses within a sentence. The main distinction lies in whether the clause they introduce is essential (restrictive) or non-essential (non-restrictive) to the meaning of the sentence. Understanding this will help you use these words correctly and improve your writing’s clarity.
Using “Which”
When it comes to “which,” we typically use it to introduce non-essential or non-restrictive clauses. These clauses add extra information about a noun but aren’t critical for understanding the sentence’s main point. You can think of non-essential clauses as the “bonus content” that enriches your writing without altering its core meaning. These clauses are always set off by commas, signalling to the reader that the information is supplementary.
For example:
- The book, which was published last year, has become a bestseller.
- She bought a new car, which she had been saving up for.
In both of these examples, the clauses introduced by “which” provide extra details about the nouns (“the book” and “a new car”), but the sentences would still hold meaning and remain grammatically correct without them. You could say, The book has become a bestseller, or She bought a new car, and the essential message would still come through loud and clear.
Using “That”
Now, let’s turn to “that.” In American English, we use “that” to introduce essential or restrictive clauses. These clauses are crucial for understanding the sentence’s meaning; omitting them would change the message entirely. Think of essential clauses as the backbone of your sentence—removing them would leave your statement incomplete or unclear. Unlike non-essential clauses, essential clauses introduced by “that” are not set off by commas.
For example:
- The book that she recommended is out of stock.
- I need the keys that you borrowed yesterday.
In these sentences, the clauses introduced by “that” are critical for identifying which book is out of stock and which keys are needed. Without these clauses, the meaning would be lost, as the reader wouldn’t know which specific book or keys you’re talking about.
Which or That? British English vs American English
While the rules we’ve discussed tend to be used in American English, British English approaches this distinction with a bit more flexibility. In British English (and often in everyday spoken English), you have the option to interchange “which” and “that” in restrictive clauses without changing the overall meaning. This means that both options can be acceptable in many situations. However, in American English, “which” is exclusively reserved for non-restrictive clauses.
British English:
Restrictive clause: “The car which/that is parked outside belongs to Tom.”
- (Both “which” and “that” are acceptable in British English for the restrictive clause.)
American English:
Restrictive clause: “The car that is parked outside belongs to Tom.”
- (“That” is preferred in American English for the restrictive clause.)
Non-restrictive clause: “My car, which is parked outside, belongs to Tom.”
- (“Which” is used exclusively for non-restrictive clauses in American English.)
Tricks to Remember When to Use “Which” or “That”
Here are a few tips that can help you master their usage with confidence, especially if you decide to follow the American English conventions:
Identify Essential vs. Non-essential Clauses: Before deciding whether to use “which” or “that,” assess whether the clause you’re introducing is essential or non-essential to the sentence’s meaning. If removing the clause alters the meaning or makes it unclear, use “that.” If the sentence remains clear and correct without it, opt for “which.”
Use Commas: Pay attention to punctuation cues. Non-essential clauses introduced by “which” are set off by commas, whereas essential clauses introduced by “that” are not. This visual cue helps readers understand that the information is supplementary and not vital to the sentence.
Practice Makes Perfect: The more you write, the more comfortable you’ll become with these distinctions. Try writing sentences with both “which” and “that” to see how the meaning changes based on your choice of words.
Read Also: E.g. or I.e.? Main Differences and How to Use Them
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