, which vs , that

Both ", which" and ", that" are correct and commonly used in English. They are relative pronouns that introduce relative clauses providing additional information about a noun. The choice between them depends on the context and personal preference.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1208 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to introduce non-restrictive relative clauses.

", which"

Use ", which" to introduce non-restrictive relative clauses that provide additional, non-essential information about a noun. These clauses are set off by commas.

Examples:

The book, which I bought yesterday, is very interesting.
The car, which is parked outside, belongs to my friend.
She wore a beautiful dress, which caught everyone's attention.
The movie, which was released last week, received great reviews.
The dog, which is black, is very friendly.

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Unlike my cup, which remains resolutely empty.
Separation breeds discontent, which fuels society.
The governor withdrew his offer, which is understandable.
Not professionally set, which suggests...
She followed my advice, which made Ryan furious.
Medical information, which is illegal.
Unlike his death, which was intentional.
Found exclusively in southwest Afghanistan, which was...
Her protein is cheese, which can raise cholesterol.
Separation breeds discontent, which fuels society.
Possibly steam-powered, which would be cool.
Specifies the notion of editorial responsibility, which involves decision-making power.
Over-regulation creates artificial jobs, which are not economically justified.
That is the Transparency Initiative, which this Parliament supports wholeheartedly.
Initial capital contributions, which were later changed.
I represent Scotland, which has extensive beef production.
This legislation is admittedly technical, which complicates the application process.
More heavy-handed than gentle, which surprised me.
Probably about your arranged marriage, which is anti-American.
The Berlin-centred economy, which is currently collapsing...

Alternatives:

, that
who
whom
whose
where

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to introduce restrictive relative clauses.

", that"

Use ", that" to introduce restrictive relative clauses that provide essential information about a noun. These clauses are not set off by commas.

Examples:

The book that I bought yesterday is very interesting.
The car that is parked outside belongs to my friend.
She wore a beautiful dress that caught everyone's attention.
The movie that was released last week received great reviews.
The dog that is black is very friendly.

Show examples from the web [+]

Then started clapping, that is amazing.
Richard's Porsche, that was designed specifically...
Well, that sure complicates things, commander.
But unfortunately, that only makes my feelings stronger.
Man, that morpha worked fast.
Detective, that transmission cannot be uploaded.
Toby, that is unbelievably inappropriate.
Avoiding death, that's being human.
Yes, that's what happened.
Private, that's quitter talk.
Your Honor, that could affect strategy.
Well, that explains the headache.
In 2013, that objective will reach maturity.
Therefore, that classification has invalidated itself.
Commissioner, that was addressed to you.
Although, that great organist, Master Buxtewhohide...
The teacher, that the journalist said.
Anyway, that was my day.
Okay, that was the damnedest session ever.
Except in this instance, that hunch involves you.

Alternatives:

, which
who
whom
whose
where

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, which vs , that

", which"

", that"

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