Difference Between That and Which

Many individuals learning English often find themselves uncertain about when to use "which" versus "that" when forming sentences. While both words serve to connect clauses, they possess distinct meanings and applications. Today, we will explore the differences between "which" and "that" and how to use them accurately in the English language.

"Which" and "that" serve as relative pronouns used to introduce relative clauses within a sentence. Nonetheless, their primary contrast lies in the type of information they introduce.

Which

This relative pronoun is used to introduce additional information within a sentence. It initiates a relative clause that furnishes further details about the noun preceding it. The information provided within the relative clause is not crucial for understanding the main sentence. Furthermore, "which" is always preceded by a comma.

Example: The red bike is parked outside.

That

"That" is used to introduce crucial information within a sentence. It introduces a relative clause that offers indispensable details about the preceding noun. The information conveyed by the relative clause is essential for comprehending the main sentence. Additionally, "that" is not preceded by a comma.

For example, The bike that is parked outside is red.

When to use 'which'?

1. Use 'which' for introducing non-essential clauses offering supplementary information.
2. Use a comma followed by "which" to introduce the relative clause.
3. Use 'which' when referring to objects and animals.

Example: The magazine, which I read last Sunday was very interesting.

When to use "that"?

1. Use "that" when the information is important.
2. Don't put a comma before "that".
3. Use "that" when talking about people, things, or animals.

For example: "The book that I'm reading is really good."

Key differences

Examples of "Which"

• The cake, which was decorated with colorful frosting, delighted all the guests at the party.
• The car, which had been parked outside all night, was covered in snow by morning.
• The laptop, which was brand new, stopped working after just a few days of use.
• The book, which had been sitting on the shelf for years, suddenly caught my attention.
• The house, which was located by the beach, offered stunning views of the ocean.

Example of "That"

• The pen that I use every day ran out of ink.
• The movie that we watched last night was really exciting.
• The cat that lives next door visits our garden.
• The phone that I bought recently has a great camera.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the differentiation between "which" and "that" in English grammar plays a important role in facilitating clear communication. "Which" introduces non-essential information, typically preceded by a comma, while "that" presents essential details without a comma. Understanding the appropriate usage of each relative pronoun improves clarity and precision in writing. By mastering these subtleties, English learners can communicate more effectively and fluently, thus enhancing their overall language skills.