When it comes to clear writing, one of the most common sources of confusion is the use of "that" versus "which." These two words are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and uses. In this article, we will explore the differences between "that" and "which" and provide tips for using them correctly in your writing.
Understanding the Basics
To start, it’s essential to understand the basic functions of “that” and “which.” “That” is a restrictive pronoun, meaning it is used to provide essential information about the noun it modifies. On the other hand, “which” is a non-restrictive pronoun, meaning it provides additional, but not essential, information about the noun it modifies.
Restrictive vs. Non-Restrictive Clauses
A restrictive clause is a phrase that provides essential information about the noun it modifies. It is set off by “that” and is not punctuated with commas. For example: “The book that is on the table is mine.” In this sentence, the clause “that is on the table” provides essential information about the book, and the sentence would not make sense without it.
A non-restrictive clause, on the other hand, provides additional information about the noun it modifies, but it is not essential to the sentence's meaning. It is set off by "which" and is punctuated with commas. For example: "The book, which is on the table, is mine." In this sentence, the clause "which is on the table" provides additional information about the book, but the sentence would still make sense without it.
10 Tips for Using “That” and “Which” Correctly
Here are 10 tips to help you use “that” and “which” correctly in your writing:
- Use "that" for restrictive clauses: If the clause provides essential information about the noun it modifies, use "that." For example: "The car that is parked in the driveway is mine."
- Use "which" for non-restrictive clauses: If the clause provides additional, but not essential, information about the noun it modifies, use "which." For example: "The car, which is parked in the driveway, is mine."
- Don't confuse "that" with "which" in restrictive clauses: Remember that "that" is used for restrictive clauses, while "which" is used for non-restrictive clauses. For example: "The book that is on the bestseller list is a great read" (restrictive clause), versus "The book, which is on the bestseller list, is a great read" (non-restrictive clause).
- Use commas to set off non-restrictive clauses: Non-restrictive clauses should be set off with commas to indicate that they provide additional, but not essential, information. For example: "The city, which is located on the coast, is a popular tourist destination."
- Avoid using "that" for non-restrictive clauses: Using "that" for non-restrictive clauses can make your writing sound awkward and unclear. For example: "The city that is located on the coast, is a popular tourist destination" (incorrect), versus "The city, which is located on the coast, is a popular tourist destination" (correct).
- Use "that" for clauses that begin with a preposition: When a clause begins with a preposition, use "that" instead of "which." For example: "The city that is across the river is a popular tourist destination."
- Don't use "which" for clauses that begin with a preposition: Using "which" for clauses that begin with a preposition can sound awkward and unclear. For example: "The city, which is across the river, is a popular tourist destination" (incorrect), versus "The city that is across the river is a popular tourist destination" (correct).
- Use "that" for clauses that provide a definition: When a clause provides a definition or explanation of the noun it modifies, use "that." For example: "The term that refers to the study of the universe is astronomy."
- Use "which" for clauses that provide additional information: When a clause provides additional information about the noun it modifies, but is not essential to the sentence's meaning, use "which." For example: "The book, which was written by my favorite author, is a great read."
- Read your writing out loud to check for clarity: Finally, reading your writing out loud can help you catch errors in your use of "that" and "which." If a sentence sounds awkward or unclear, try rephrasing it to use the correct word.
In conclusion, using "that" and "which" correctly is essential for clear writing. By understanding the basics of restrictive and non-restrictive clauses, and following the tips outlined above, you can ensure that your writing is accurate, concise, and effective.
| Word | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| That | Restrictive pronoun | The book that is on the table is mine. |
| Which | Non-restrictive pronoun | The book, which is on the table, is mine. |
What is the main difference between “that” and “which”?
+The main difference between “that” and “which” is that “that” is used for restrictive clauses, while “which” is used for non-restrictive clauses.
How do I know when to use “that” versus “which”?
+You can use the tips outlined above to determine when to use “that” versus “which.” If the clause provides essential information about the noun it modifies, use “that.” If the clause provides additional, but not essential, information, use “which.”
Can I use “that” and “which” interchangeably?
+No, it’s not recommended to use “that” and “which” interchangeably. Using the correct word can help ensure that your writing is clear and concise, and can help avoid confusion.
