When to Use 'That' Instead of 'Which' in English Grammar

The choice between using 'that' and 'which' in a sentence is not always straightforward, especially when it comes to grammatical rules and style preferences. In this article, we explore the nuances of using 'that' and 'which,' focusing on their roles in restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses, and the importance of comma usage.

The Goldilocks Rule: Restrictive vs Nonrestrictive Clauses

English speakers often face the dilemma of choosing whether to use 'that' or 'which.' While 'which' clauses can be nonrestrictive (or nonessential) and often require a comma, 'that' clauses are typically restrictive (or essential) and do not require commas. This distinction can be understood through the Goldilocks Rule: 'That' is 'just right,' while 'which' is 'too much' or 'too little.'

Understanding the Goldilocks Rule

The key to mastering the Goldilocks Rule lies in recognizing the difference between restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses.

Restrictive Clauses: These clauses are necessary to the meaning of the sentence. They specify which thing or person is being referred to. For example:

"The book that I found in the library is due tomorrow."

"The students that scored above 90% passed the exam."

Here, 'that' is essential because the clause further defines which book or student we are talking about.

Nonrestrictive Clauses: These clauses provide additional information that is not necessary to the main idea of the sentence. They can be set off by commas. For example:

"I found the book, which is titled 'The Great Gatsby,' at the local bookstore."

"The car, which is red and shiny, belongs to my friend."

In these examples, the additional information (the title of the book or the car's color) can be removed without changing the core meaning of the sentence.

The Role of Commas

The use of commas is a clear indicator of whether a clause is restrictive or nonrestrictive. Here’s how you can remember:

Nonrestrictive Clauses (which): These are always followed by a comma to set them apart from the rest of the sentence. Examples include:

"The car, which is red and shiny, belongs to my friend."

Restrictive Clauses (that): These do not require a comma, as they are integral to the meaning of the sentence. Examples include:

"The car that I saw yesterday is still parked outside."

Examples for Clarity

Example 1: Restrictive Clause with 'That'

The sentence "The goats that are on the mountain are domestic" uses 'that' because it is essential to the meaning. The clause 'that are on the mountain' is necessary to specify which goats are being referred to.

Example 2: Nonrestrictive Clause with 'Which'

In contrast, the sentence "The goats, which are on the mountain, are domestic" uses 'which' because it is additional information. The clause 'which are on the mountain' is not essential to the main point, so it is set off by commas.

The Choice Between 'This' and 'That'

When it comes to indicating a specific choice, the words 'this' and 'that' play a crucial role. Here’s how they are used:

'That' is used to indicate a choice, specifying the particular item or option. Examples include:

"I fell into that hole."

"That is the person who robbed the bank."

"That is a good question."

'This' is used for something closer to the speaker, often to emphasize a particular option. Examples include:

"This is the best one."

"That is the best option, and the one which most people choose."

Conclusion

Mastering the use of 'that' and 'which' is crucial for clear and effective communication. By understanding the role of restrictive versus nonrestrictive clauses and the importance of comma usage, you can ensure your writing remains both grammatically correct and comprehensible. Whether you are writing a formal document or simply communicating in everyday conversation, the Goldilocks Rule can help you convey your thoughts precisely and avoid misunderstandings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between a restrictive and a nonrestrictive clause?

A restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence, while a nonrestrictive clause provides additional information that is not necessary to the main point.

2. Why do we use a comma with 'which'?

We use a comma with 'which' because it indicates a nonessential addition to the sentence. The information provided by the 'which' clause is extra and can be removed without altering the core meaning of the sentence.

3. Can you use 'that' in every restrictive clause?

Generally, yes. 'That' is the preferred choice for restrictive clauses, but 'which' can sometimes be used in a formal or stylistic context to emphasize the essential nature of the clause.