When to Use ‘That’ vs. ‘Which,’ easily explained
With unmistakable examples
If you’ve asked yourself the question in the title lately, this article is written for you.
Introduction
The concept at hand here, when to use that vs. which, is something it takes most people a while to understand. This is due to the fact that a simple explanation is hard to find. Explanations typically tell us something like “Use that when joining an essential clause to a sentence” or “Use which when adding a non-restrictive clause to a sentence.” Excuse me, but, say what?
How They’re Used
Bear with me, as information should be conveyed in a certain way for simplicity’s sake. You are urged to read the following paragraph even if the information means nothing to you.
Essential or Non-essential — A Simple Description
Essential refers to the fact that a clause is necessary to a sentence. Sentences with added essential clauses use that. On the other hand, non-essential clauses are considered tacked on for effect, or superfluous, as it were. Sentences with added non-essential clauses use which.
If you don’t get what you just read, you soon will. Yet, reading it now will help you understand…
