Wondering about the difference between Which vs That? While both are relative pronouns used to introduce clauses, Which vs That rules depend on whether the clause is restrictive or non-restrictive, as well as whether you are referring to people or things.
What is the Difference Between Which vs That?
To master English grammar on english-grammarblog.blogspot.com, understanding relative pronouns is essential. The core distinction in Which vs That lies in sentence structure and restrictive clauses. For a broader look at interrogative pronoun choices, check out this guide on What vs Which.
| Pronoun | Usage Rule | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Which | Used for non-living things (singular or plural) in non-restrictive clauses. | I have lost the book/s which you gave me. |
| That | Used to refer to one or more persons or things in restrictive clauses. | The boy/s that came here will help me. |
How to Use Which in English Sentences
As a relative pronoun, which is typically used for non-living nouns in both singular and plural forms. It usually introduces extra, non-essential information separated by commas, or non-restrictive clauses regarding objects.
- I have lost the book which you gave me. (Singular object)
- The books which were on the table are missing. (Plural objects)
How to Use That in English Sentences
Conversely, that is versatile because it can refer to both people and things, but it is strictly used in restrictive clauses—meaning the information is essential to the meaning of the sentence.
- The boy that came here will help me. (Referring to a person)
- The boys that came here will help me. (Referring to multiple people)
- The cat that disturbed him was caught. (Referring to an animal/thing restrictively)
Key Takeaways
- Use which primarily for non-living nouns and non-essential clauses.
- Use that for both people and things when the clause is essential (restrictive) to the sentence.
- Always consult trusted resources on english-grammarblog.blogspot.com for advanced syntax rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between which and that?
The primary difference is that that is used for restrictive clauses (essential information) referring to people or things, whereas which is used for non-restrictive clauses (extra information) referring exclusively to non-living things.
Can 'that' be used for people?
Yes, that can be used to refer to people in restrictive clauses, such as in the sentence: "The students that passed the exam will receive an award."
Quick Practice
Test your understanding of Which vs That! Fill in the blank with the correct relative pronoun and write your answer in the comments below:
"This is the car _________ I bought yesterday."