Open Writing Lab

That OR Which

26.05.2011 CGB

Don’t make it a witch hunt!

TIP: Which one do you need?!

Which is correct?

• “To our knowledge, it is the only body in the solar system which currently sustains life, although several other bodies are under investigation.”

• “To our knowledge, it is the only body in the solar system that currently sustains life, although several other bodies are under investigation.”

What are the differences in meaning?

• Who ate the cake that I bought this morning?

• Who ate the cake which I bought this morning?

Any errors??

RULE (when referring to objects)

• THAT introduces a restrictive clause.– (no comma)

• WHICH introduces a non-restrictive or parenthetical clause.– (set in commas)

Test …

• Remove that / which clause.

• Does the meaning change?

• If yes, then clause is restrictive.

Gems that sparkle often elicit forgiveness.

Diamonds, which are expensive, often elicit forgiveness.

Meaning changes …

• The painting that was hanging in the foyer was stolen.

• The painting, which was hanging in the foyer, was stolen.

• The Van Gogh that was hanging in the foyer, which we purchased in 1929 for $10 000, was stolen.

More …

http://folk.uib.no/gmset/writing/practical_tips/that_which.html

CGB’s Open Writing Lab

http://folk.uib.no/gmset/writing/open_writing_lab.html