Understanding the Use of Which and That in English

We often use these words to denote something in English. But not everyone knows how to use them properly.

So today, dear friends, I direct your attention to a short article about how to use which and that, including some examples.

Instances Where Which and That Are Used

Both which and that can function as relative pronouns.

That can be used when referring to things and people. Which, however, is not used to refer to people.

Examples:

• The girl that I saw at the party was a spy.
• I’ve never seen the documentary which is now on TV.

In the indefinite position, which can apply to either a single word or the entire meaning of the sentence.

Examples:

•         We love spending our holidays at my grandparents’ house, which is in the countryside.
•         He was trying to seem nice to her, which was a surprise to everyone.

In the definite position, both that and which can be used.

Examples:

•         I asked Joe to give me the book that my sister lent him last week.
•         I asked Joe to give me the book which my sister lent him last week.

Instances Where That Must Be Used

Nevertheless, only that (or a zero pronoun) can be used with:

• indefinite pronouns or constructions with an indefinite pronoun

Examples:

• Mindy spoiled all the apples that were in the basket.
• I wish I could find the CD that has the soundtrack from the movie.
• superlative adjectives or phrases with superlative adjectives

Examples:

• This is the best birthday that I’ve ever had.
• You must remember that now the most important thing for her is rest.
• ordinal numerals (or phrases with them)

Examples:

• The first thing that I would do there is try on all the dresses.
• The second episode that we made about the sea was a failure.
• phrases with the only…/thing

Examples:

•         The only music that I really like is rock and roll.
•         The thing that I like about Amy is honesty.
• Use only which before a pronoun or preposition

Examples:

• This is the town in which Adam was born.
• Do you remember the small cafe, which we visited in Paris?

In conclusion, I’d like to mention that the pronoun who can also be used when referring to a person.

That’s all. Enjoy learning English!

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