NewsBlues mrsbgrammar Page 19
Chapter 1 Common Grammar Mistakes
9
that/which
If you're puzzled by when to use "that" or "which," you're not alone.
It's a common quandary.
"That" defines and restricts.
"Which" is explanatory and nonrestrictive.
Say what?
Use "that" when it's essential to the meaning of the sentence.
v
The camera that is broken in the repair bin. (tells which camera)
Use "which" when the words following it give additional
information but aren't critical to understanding the sentence.
v
The camera, which is broken, is in the repair bin. (adds a fact
about the camera)
Take a look at these two sentences about a drip in the john.
v
The faucet that drips is in the men's room. (tells which faucet)
v
The faucet, which drips loudly (by the way), is in the men's
room.
Here's another example.
v
The news director introduced the mission statement that the
GM had written. (tells which mission statement)
v
The news director introduced the mission statement, which
ended up on our mouse pads. (gives additional information)
