Introduction:
What is the difference between that and which? As a writer, you may have stumbled upon the dilemma of choosing between “that” and “which” in your sentences. While both words are relative pronouns, they serve different purposes and are not interchangeable. Understanding the distinction between “that” and “which” is crucial for maintaining clarity and coherence in your writing. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the differences between these two words and provide examples to help you use them correctly.
The Role of “That”:
“That” is a restrictive pronoun, meaning it introduces essential information that is necessary for the meaning of the sentence. Without the information introduced by “that,” the sentence would be incomplete or unclear. Use “that” when the clause it introduces is vital to the meaning of the sentence.
Examples:
- The book that I borrowed from the library is due next week. (The clause “that I borrowed from the library” is essential to identify the specific book.)
- The house that Jack built is now for sale. (The clause “that Jack built” is necessary to specify which house is being referred to.)
- I prefer the coffee that is made from freshly ground beans. (The clause “that is made from freshly ground beans” is essential to describe the type of coffee being preferred.)
The Role of “Which”:
“Which,” on the other hand, is a non-restrictive pronoun. It introduces additional information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. The information provided by “which” is more of a side note or an extra detail. When using “which,” the clause it introduces is typically set off by commas.
Examples:
- The library, which is located downtown, has an extensive collection of books. (The clause “which is located downtown” provides additional information about the library but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.)
- My new car, which I bought last month, has great fuel efficiency. (The clause “which I bought last month” is an extra detail about the car and can be removed without changing the core meaning of the sentence.)
- The coffee shop, which offers a variety of pastries, is my favorite place to work. (The clause “which offers a variety of pastries” is a non-essential piece of information about the coffee shop.)
The Comma Rule:
One easy way to remember the difference between “that” and “which” is the comma rule. If the clause is set off by commas, use “which.” If there are no commas, use “that.”
Examples:
- The book that has a red cover is my favorite. (no commas, use “that”)
- The book, which has a red cover, is my favorite. (commas, use “which”)
Exceptions and Special Cases:
- When referring to people, use “who” instead of “that” or “which.” Example: The person who wrote this article is a grammar enthusiast.
- In some cases, “that” can be omitted for brevity, especially in informal writing. Example: The book I borrowed from the library is due next week.
- “Which” can be used to introduce a restrictive clause when it is preceded by a preposition. Example: The situation in which we find ourselves is challenging.
Conclusion:
Mastering the difference between “that” and “which” is a valuable skill for any writer. By understanding the restrictive nature of “that” and the non-restrictive nature of “which,” you can effectively convey your intended meaning and avoid ambiguity in your writing. Remember to use “that” for essential information and “which” for additional details, and keep the comma rule in mind. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll be able to confidently navigate the “that” vs. “which” dilemma and elevate your writing to the next level.
Etymology of “that” and “which”:
Etymology of “That”:
Old English: “þæt” (pronounced “that”)
Proto-Germanic: “*þat”
Proto-Indo-European: “*tod”
“That” is derived from the Old English word “þæt,” which was used as a neuter singular demonstrative pronoun, as well as a relative pronoun and a conjunction. It is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch “dat,” German “das,” and Gothic “þata.” These words can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic “*þat,” which is thought to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European “*tod,” meaning “that” or “it.”
Etymology of “Which”:
Old English: “hwilc” (pronounced “hweelk”)
Proto-Germanic: “*hwilīkaz”
Proto-Indo-European: “*kwo-” + “*lī” (suffix)
“Which” comes from the Old English word “hwilc,” which was an interrogative and relative pronoun that meant “which,” “what kind of,” or “what sort of.” It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*hwilīkaz,” a compound of the Proto-Indo-European interrogative stem “kwo-” (meaning “who” or “what”) and the suffix “-lī,” which was used to form adjectives. The Proto-Germanic word “*hwilīkaz” is also the ancestor of similar words in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch “welk,” German “welch,” and Gothic “ƕileiks.”
Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of these words evolved to their current forms in Modern English, while retaining their primary functions as pronouns and conjunctions.
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