When to Use That vs. Which

When writing, it can be confusing to know when to use “that” instead of “which.” The key is understanding the difference between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses.

Restrictive Clauses with “That”

When you have a restrictive clause, you should use the word “that.” This type of clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence and cannot be removed without changing the meaning.

For example, in the sentence “I need the book that is on the table,” the phrase “that is on the table” is necessary to specify which book is needed.

Using “that” in restrictive clauses helps to clarify the subject of the sentence without adding unnecessary information.

Non-Restrictive Clauses with “Which”

On the other hand, non-restrictive clauses should use the word “which.” Non-restrictive clauses provide additional information about the subject but are not essential to the main meaning of the sentence.

For instance, in the sentence “I bought the book, which was on sale,” the phrase “which was on sale” adds extra detail but does not change the main point of the sentence.

Using “which” in non-restrictive clauses helps to provide additional context or elaboration without disrupting the flow of the sentence.

Knowing When to Choose

So, how do you know when to use “that” versus “which”? The key is to determine whether the clause is restrictive or non-restrictive. If the clause is necessary for the sentence to make sense, use “that.” If the clause is simply adding extra information, use “which.”

By understanding the distinction between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses, you can improve the clarity and precision of your writing.

For more tips on grammar and writing, check out Editmojo for helpful resources.