In the world of English grammar, few topics are as commonly misunderstood as the proper use of that vs which. Although these two words are often used interchangeably, they serve distinct roles in a sentence. Understanding the correct usage of that vs which is crucial to clear, effective communication. Whether you are writing an essay, drafting a professional email, or simply looking to enhance your grammar skills, mastering that vs which will elevate your writing.
This article will provide an in-depth explanation of when to use that and when to use which, complete with definitions, examples, and practical tips. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently differentiate between that vs which and apply them correctly in your own writing.
Definitions for Understanding That vs Which
Before delving into the specifics of that vs which, it’s important to understand two key grammatical concepts that will guide us:
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Restrictive Clause: A restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence. It limits or defines the noun it modifies, and without it, the sentence would lose its intended meaning. Restrictive clauses cannot be omitted without affecting the clarity or accuracy of the sentence.
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Nonrestrictive Clause: In contrast, a nonrestrictive clause adds extra information about a noun or pronoun but is not essential to the sentence’s meaning. Removing a nonrestrictive clause does not change the overall meaning of the sentence, though it does remove some detail.
When to Use That: Restrictive Clauses
The word that is used to introduce restrictive clauses, which provide essential information to the sentence. A restrictive clause defines or limits the noun it modifies, and without it, the meaning of the sentence would change or become unclear. In American English, that is typically used to introduce restrictive clauses.
Examples of That in Restrictive Clauses:
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The book that I borrowed from her is worn.
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Here, the clause that I borrowed from her is essential. Without it, we wouldn’t know which book is being referred to.
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The car that has the funny bumper sticker is mine.
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The clause that has the funny bumper sticker specifies which car is being discussed. Without it, we wouldn’t know which car is meant.
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The science project that I am working on is due next Monday.
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In this example, the clause that I am working on defines the specific science project in question.
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Important Rules for Using That:
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No commas are used before or after restrictive clauses. For example, The restaurant that I love is downtown is correct, while The restaurant, that I love, is downtown is incorrect.
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That can sometimes be omitted in restrictive clauses, especially in informal writing. For example, The shoes Sam bought yesterday are too small is just as clear as The shoes that Sam bought yesterday are too small.
When to Use Which: Nonrestrictive Clauses
On the other hand, which is used to introduce nonrestrictive clauses. These clauses add extra information to the sentence but are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Removing a nonrestrictive clause does not change the fundamental meaning of the sentence.
Nonrestrictive clauses are always set off by commas. The commas indicate that the information within the clause is supplementary rather than necessary for understanding the sentence.
Examples of Which in Nonrestrictive Clauses:
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The hotel, which is one of my favorites, is getting renovated.
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The clause which is one of my favorites adds extra detail about the hotel, but removing it wouldn’t change the core meaning of the sentence.
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Our picnic, which was scheduled for 5 p.m., will be postponed because of the rain.
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The nonrestrictive clause which was scheduled for 5 p.m. provides additional context but doesn’t alter the main point: The picnic will be postponed due to rain.
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The phone, which was supposed to be water-resistant, got damaged.
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The clause which was supposed to be water-resistant adds supplementary information, but the sentence’s meaning remains intact even without it.
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Important Rules for Using Which:
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Commas are always required before and after nonrestrictive clauses. For example, I have a friend, which is a rare thing in this world would be incorrect.
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In American English, which is reserved for nonrestrictive clauses only, while that is used in restrictive clauses. In British English, however, which can be used for both types of clauses.
Differences Between That vs Which
To help you remember the difference between that and which, here’s a quick comparison chart:
| Feature | That | Which |
|---|---|---|
| Clause Type | Restrictive (essential information) | Nonrestrictive (extra information) |
| Commas | No commas | Always preceded and followed by commas |
| Omission Effect | Removing it changes the meaning | Removing it does not change the meaning |
| Use in American English | Used in restrictive clauses only | Used in nonrestrictive clauses only |
| Use in British English | Can be used in both types of clauses | Can be used in both types of clauses |
Why People Get Confused About That vs Which
It’s not unusual to see writers mix up that and which. The confusion often arises because both words introduce clauses that provide extra information about a noun. However, the key difference lies in whether the information is essential or just supplementary.
A common mistake is forgetting to use commas with which, particularly in informal writing. This omission can lead to confusion about whether a clause is restrictive or nonrestrictive, impacting the clarity of the sentence. By remembering the basic rules about that vs which, you’ll avoid these mistakes and improve the precision of your writing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using That vs Which
Even after learning the rules for that vs which, many people still make some common mistakes when applying these words. By understanding these errors and how to avoid them, you can ensure that your writing remains both accurate and clear.
1. Using Which in a Restrictive Clause
One of the most frequent mistakes is using which in a restrictive clause. Remember, which is only used in nonrestrictive clauses, and restrictive clauses require that.
For example:
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Incorrect: The book which I borrowed from her is worn.
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Correct: The book that I borrowed from her is worn.
In this case, which is incorrect because the clause I borrowed from her is essential to the sentence. Without it, we wouldn’t know which book is being referred to.
2. Forgetting Commas with Which
Another mistake is forgetting to set off nonrestrictive clauses introduced by which with commas. Nonrestrictive clauses provide extra information but do not affect the core meaning of the sentence. These clauses should always be enclosed in commas.
For example:
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Incorrect: The restaurant which I love is downtown.
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Correct: The restaurant, which I love, is downtown.
The commas before and after which indicate that the information in the clause is additional and can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence.
3. Using That in a Nonrestrictive Clause
While that is used in restrictive clauses, some people mistakenly use it in nonrestrictive clauses. This is grammatically incorrect because that should only be used for clauses that define or limit a noun. In nonrestrictive clauses, which is the appropriate word.
For example:
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Incorrect: The phone, that was supposed to be water-resistant, got damaged.
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Correct: The phone, which was supposed to be water-resistant, got damaged.
Here, the clause which was supposed to be water-resistant is extra information, not essential to the sentence, so it should be introduced with which and set off by commas.
Understanding That vs Which in Complex Sentences
As you become more comfortable with that vs which, you’ll encounter sentences with more complex structures. In these sentences, it’s easy to make mistakes, so here’s a breakdown of how to apply the rules correctly in different contexts.
Example 1: Long Sentences with Multiple Clauses
In longer sentences with multiple clauses, it’s essential to distinguish between restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses. For example:
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The man who owns the store that I visit every week just opened a new location, which has been very successful.
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In this sentence, that introduces the restrictive clause I visit every week, which is essential to identifying which store is being referred to.
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Which introduces the nonrestrictive clause has been very successful, providing additional information about the new store.
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Example 2: Sentences with Multiple Nouns
Sometimes, sentences contain multiple nouns that are modified by different clauses. In such cases, understanding the distinction between that and which is crucial for clarity. For example:
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The car that was parked outside my house, which had a flat tire, was towed away.
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In this case, that is used to introduce the restrictive clause was parked outside my house, which specifies the exact car.
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Which introduces the nonrestrictive clause had a flat tire, which adds extra information but doesn’t change the meaning of the sentence.
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That vs Which in Different Writing Styles
Understanding that vs which is especially important when writing in different contexts, whether it’s for academic papers, business communication, or creative writing. Here are some tips for using that vs which appropriately in various writing styles.
Academic Writing
In academic writing, precision and clarity are paramount. To avoid ambiguity, be sure to use that for restrictive clauses and which for nonrestrictive clauses. Incorrect usage can confuse readers and detract from the professionalism of your work.
For example:
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Incorrect: The research study which I conducted last year is cited frequently.
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Correct: The research study that I conducted last year is cited frequently.
In this case, that is the correct choice because the clause I conducted last year is essential for identifying which study is being referenced.
Business Writing
In business writing, clarity and directness are key. In emails, reports, and other professional documents, you should follow the same rules for that vs which to avoid confusion.
For example:
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Incorrect: The proposal, which was reviewed yesterday, has been approved.
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Correct: The proposal, which was reviewed yesterday, has been approved.
This is an example where the use of which helps clarify that the clause which was reviewed yesterday adds additional information but doesn’t change the meaning of the sentence.
Creative Writing
In creative writing, the rules of grammar are still important, but the structure and flow of the sentences can be more flexible. However, even in fiction, the proper use of that vs which can enhance the clarity and rhythm of your writing.
For example:
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The novel that captivated my attention was set in a dystopian future.
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Here, that is used to introduce the restrictive clause that captivated my attention, which is essential for identifying the novel.
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The novel, which was set in a dystopian future, explored themes of oppression.
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The use of which here adds extra detail without changing the meaning of the sentence.
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Conclusion: Mastering That vs Which
By now, you should feel confident in knowing when to use that vs which in your writing. It’s a subtle difference, but understanding it can make your writing clearer, more professional, and easier to read. Remember, that is used for restrictive clauses, providing essential information, while which is for nonrestrictive clauses, adding extra detail without changing the sentence’s core meaning.
With this simple rule in mind, you’ll avoid common mistakes and improve your grammar skills. Whether you’re writing for business, academia, or creative purposes, mastering that vs which is a small but powerful step toward elevating your writing. Keep practicing, and soon it’ll become second nature! If you’re ready to take your writing to the next level, start paying attention to these subtle details for clear, effective communication.
