when to use which instead of that.
9 answers from our tutors
Hello That can be used for people, things and animals. You can't use which for people Best Regards
If the relative clause contains information that is not essential to the sentence's meaning and is also preceded by a comma or a dash, use "which".
Check your English level for free
Take our quick and free test to find out your current level of English
Start test
- JennyCertified ESL Teacher who helps her student in Conversational English.
In defining clauses, use that. In non-defining clauses, use which
"Which" is saying that one has a choice of a few , whereas, "that", is very specific.
The word "which and that " are both pronouns that are used to introduce clauses in a sentence Generally , "that is used in restrictive clauses , while "which " is used in a non restricted clauses.
That is use when you defining certain things
- AndileCertified online English Tutor
- In a defining clause use "that". - In a non defining clauss use "which". *Remember, if you can remove the clause without destroying the meaning of a sentence, the clause is non essential and you can use "which".
- Rea LeeHi. I'm teacher Rea and I'm here to teach you Filipino, English languages and also Accounting
If your sentence has a clause but it is not necessary at all, so you must use WHICH.
"that" is used in a definition clause. {e.g. my cat that has blue eyes is at home.} "Which" is used in a nondefining clause. {e.g. my cat, which has blue ayes, is at home.} when "which" acts as a pronoun it can be used as a sentence beginner. e.g. Which one do you prefer?
