That Versus Which
My critique group suggested this month’s topic. Although I love them, they made it tough on me. To determine when to use “that” and when to use “which” is difficult. When I’m finished my attempt at explanation, please comment below to let me know if I cleared things up or made them muddier.
Use the relative pronoun “that” with a restrictive clause and the relative pronoun “which” with a nonrestrictive clause. Don’t use a comma before “that,” and almost always use a comma before “which.”
I’m done.
Okay, here are the details: A restrictive clause is text that is essential to the sentence. In fact, some people call restrictive clauses “essential clauses.” This means that if you remove the clause, the rest of the sentence won’t make any sense or at least it won’t carry the meaning you intended. The word “that” introduces something specific. Here are examples of “that” used in restrictive clauses, with the restrictive clause highlighted in bold:
The pen that is on the right side of the table is out of ink. [This means that, of all the pens on the table, the specific pen that is on the right side is out of ink.]
Blankets that collect dust are not allowed in the laboratory. [The specific type of blankets that collect dust are not allowed; other types of blankets may be permitted.]
Here is a funny proverb that changed my life. [This specific proverb changed my life.]
The socks that my mother gave me have Christmas wreaths on them. [Of all the socks I own, the ones that my mother gave me have wreaths on them.]
A nonrestrictive clause is text that you as a writer want to include, but it’s not necessary to the main meaning of the sentence. It may be valuable information, but the sentence will still make sense without it. The pronoun “which” introduces that added information. For example:
The pen, which is on the right side of the table, is out of ink. [The main sentence is “The pen is out of ink.” However, as a writer, I’m supplying more information to help the reader locate the pen: on the right side of the table.]
Blankets, which collect dust, are not allowed in the laboratory. [The main sentence is “Blankets are not allowed in the laboratory.” However, I’m adding information to explain why all blankets are not allowed: because they collect dust.]
Here is a funny proverb, which changed my life. [This proverb is funny, and by the way, it changed my life.]
The socks, which my mother gave me, have Christmas wreaths on them. [The main sentence is “The socks have Christmas wreaths on them.” I just want you to know that my mother gave them to me.]
Sometimes, it’s clear that you must use “that”:
My favorite earrings are the ones that have my book cover on them. [You couldn’t stop the sentence at “ones.”]
Where are the things that I left in your car? [“Where are the things?” could not stand by itself.
Other times, as in the two socks examples above, it’s up to the writer to decide which meaning is desired.
Below is an excerpt of my next book in which I chose to make a clause restrictive by using “that,” even though I could have made it nonrestrictive and used “which.” This character is Bruce, the boss of the heroine Sophia. Bruce is sexist, verbally abusive, and just generally icky. He has told Sophia that their fitness center is being sued, and when she responds with shock, this is what he says (restrictive clause in bold; Robbins is the name of a law firm):
When Bruce shook his head, his jowls wagged. “Don’t get your pretty little self in a tizzy. It’s a simple workplace harassment suit that will go away because there’s no proof for stuff like that. They’ll probably settle.” He pointed a big finger at Sophia. “But you can help by prancing around for that Robbins guy who just came in. Nothing huge; just bat your eyes. Take him out to dinner. Find out what their lawyers know. Who are they talking to? What could they possibly use against us? Get him to make it easier for our side.” He waved the back of his hand toward her. “Go. Now.”
With “that,” the clause defines the simple harassment suit. According to Bruce, it’s the kind that will go away.
Note that the hardest part of doing these blogs is coming up with unique examples. Feel free to share your own, especially ones that reveal the different meanings when using “that” or “which.”
And yes, sometimes you can eliminate “that” in a restrictive clause and sometimes you must use “who”—these are topics for another month.
Happy new year!