That vs. Which: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"That" introduces essential clauses without commas; "which" introduces non-essential clauses, usually set off by commas.
Key Differences
"That" is used to introduce restrictive clauses, providing essential information to the sentence. "Which" introduces non-restrictive clauses, offering additional, non-essential details usually separated by commas.
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Dec 14, 2023
Sentences with "that" do not use commas before the clause it introduces. In contrast, "which" is often preceded by a comma when introducing a non-essential clause, indicating a pause or break in the sentence.
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Dec 14, 2023
"That" clauses are integral to the sentence’s meaning and cannot be omitted without changing the sentence’s essence. "Which" clauses can often be removed without altering the overall point of the sentence.
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Dec 14, 2023
"That" is used when the information following it is necessary to understand the subject fully. "Which" is used when the clause adds extra, sometimes parenthetical, information about the subject.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
In the sentence, "The book that I borrowed was fascinating," "that" specifies which book. In "The book, which I borrowed last week, was fascinating," "which" adds non-essential information about the timing.
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Dec 14, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Clause Type
Introduces restrictive clauses
Introduces non-restrictive clauses
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Essential to Sentence
Yes, provides essential information
No, provides additional information
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Dec 14, 2023
Removal from Sentence
Changes sentence meaning
Doesn’t usually change overall meaning
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Dec 14, 2023
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That and Which Definitions
That
"That" can act as a demonstrative pronoun.
Look at that beautiful sunset.
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Dec 08, 2023
Which
"Which" introduces non-essential clauses.
The car, which was blue, sped away.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
"That" can function as a conjunction.
I think that we should leave now.
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Which
"Which" is used in questions involving choices.
Which dress do you prefer?
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That
"That" is used to indicate something specific.
I want that piece of cake.
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Dec 08, 2023
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Which
"Which" can refer to a whole sentence.
She ignored the advice, which was a mistake.
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That
Being the one singled out, implied, or understood
That place.
Those mountains.
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Dec 08, 2023
Which
"Which" is used for additional information.
My bike, which I bought last year, is very fast.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
Being the one further removed or less obvious
That route is shorter than this one.
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Dec 08, 2023
Which
What particular one or ones of a number of things or people
Which part of town do you mean?.
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Dec 08, 2023
Which
Being the one or ones previously mentioned or implied
It started to rain, at which point we ran.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
Used to introduce a noun clause that is usually the subject or object of a verb or a predicate nominative
"That contemporary American English is exuberantly vigorous is undeniable" (William Arrowsmith).
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Dec 08, 2023
Which
(interrogative) What, of those mentioned or implied.
Which song shall we play?
They couldn't decide which song to play.
Which one is bigger?
Show me which one is bigger.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
Used to introduce a subordinate clause stating a result, wish, purpose, reason, or cause
She hoped that he would arrive on time. He was saddened that she felt so little for him.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
Used to introduce an anticipated subordinate clause following the expletive it occurring as subject of the verb
It is true that dental work is expensive.
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Which
Designates the one(s) previously mentioned.
He once owned a painting of the house, which painting would later be stolen.
Yesterday, I met three men with long beards, which men I remember vividly.
For several seconds he sat in silence, during which time the tea and sandwiches arrived.
I'm thinking of getting a new car, in which case I'd get a red one.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
Used to introduce a subordinate clause modifying an adverb or adverbial expression
Will go anywhere that they are welcome.
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Which
(interrogative) What one or ones (of those mentioned or implied).
Which is which?
By now, you must surely know which is which.
Which is bigger, the red one or the blue one?
I'm unable to determine which is bigger.
Which of these do you want to keep?
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Dec 08, 2023
That
Used to introduce a subordinate clause that is joined to an adjective or noun as a complement
Was sure that she was right.
Persists in the belief that rates will rise soon.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
Used to introduce an elliptical exclamation of desire
Oh, that I were rich!.
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Dec 08, 2023
Which
(relative) Introduces a relative clause giving further information about something previously mentioned.
He walked by a door with a sign, which read: PRIVATE OFFICE.
I found my camera, which I thought I'd lost, under the bed.
No art can be properly understood apart from the culture of which it is a part.
He had to leave, which was very difficult.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
Introducing a clause which is the subject or object of a verb (such as one involving reported speech), or which is a complement to a previous statement.
He told me that the book is a good read.
I believe that it is true. — She is convinced that he is British.
That she will come is almost certain.
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Dec 08, 2023
Which
Used of people (now generally whom, that; which remains possible with words also referred to by it like baby, child).}}
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That
Introducing a subordinate clause expressing a reason or cause: because, in that.
Be glad that you have enough to eat.
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Dec 08, 2023
Which
Of what sort or kind; what; what a; who.
And which they weren and of what degree.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
(dated) Introducing a subordinate clause that expresses an aim, purpose, or goal ("final"), and usually contains the auxiliaries may, might, or should: so, so that.
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Dec 08, 2023
Which
A relative pronoun, used esp. in referring to an antecedent noun or clause, but sometimes with reference to what is specified or implied in a sentence, or to a following noun or clause (generally involving a reference, however, to something which has preceded). It is used in all numbers and genders, and was formerly used of persons.
And when thou fail'st - as God forbid the hour! -Must Edward fall, which peril heaven forfend!
God . . . rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
Our Father, which art in heaven.
The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
Introducing — especially, but not exclusively, with an antecedent like so or such — a subordinate clause expressing a result, consequence, or effect.
The noise was so loud that she woke up.
The problem was sufficiently important that it had to be addressed.
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Dec 08, 2023
Which
A compound relative or indefinite pronoun, standing for any one which, whichever, that which, those which, the . . . which, and the like; as, take which you will.
Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
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Dec 08, 2023
That
Introducing a premise or supposition for consideration: seeing as; inasmuch as; given that; as would appear from the fact that.
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Which
"Which" is often used in relative clauses.
This is the book which inspired me.
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That
Introducing a subordinate clause modifying an adverb.
Was John there? — Not that I saw.
How often did she visit him? — Twice that I saw.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
Introducing an exclamation expressing a desire or wish.
Oh that spring would come!
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That
Introducing an exclamation expressing a strong emotion such as sadness or surprise.
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That
The (thing, person, idea, etc) indicated or understood from context, especially if more remote physically, temporally or mentally than one designated as "this", or if expressing distinction.
That book is a good read. This one isn't.
That battle was in 1450.
That cat of yours is evil.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
(demonstrative) The thing, person, idea, quality, event, action, or time indicated or understood from context, especially if more remote geographically, temporally or mentally than one designated as "this", or if expressing distinction.
That's my car over there.
He went home, and after that I never saw him again.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
The known (thing); used to refer to something just said.
They're getting divorced. What do you think about that?
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Dec 08, 2023
That
(demonstrative) The aforementioned quality or proposition; used to emphatically affirm or deny a previous statement or question.
The water is so cold! — That it is.
Would you like another piece of cake? — That I would!
We think that you stole the tarts. — That I did not!
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Dec 08, 2023
That
(relative) (plural that) Which, who; representing a subject, direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition.
The CPR course that she took really came in handy.
The house that he lived in was old and dilapidated.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
(colloquial) Used in place of relative adverbs such as where or when; often omitted.
The place that [= where or to which] I went last year
The last time that [= when] I went to Europe
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Dec 08, 2023
That
Clipping of that is; used to reinforce the preceding assertion or statement.
That's proper funny, that.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
(degree) To a given extent or degree.
"The ribbon was that thin." "I disagree, I say it was not that thin, it was thicker... or maybe thinner..."
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Dec 08, 2023
That
(degree) To a great extent or degree; very, particularly in negative constructions.
I'm just not that sick.
I did the run last year, and it wasn't that difficult.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
To such an extent; so. in positive constructions.
Ooh, I was that happy I nearly kissed her.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
As a demonstrative pronoun (pl. Those), that usually points out, or refers to, a person or thing previously mentioned, or supposed to be understood. That, as a demonstrative, may precede the noun to which it refers; as, that which he has said is true; those in the basket are good apples.
The early fame of Gratian was equal to that of the most celebrated princes.
That be far from thee, to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked.
And when Moses heard that, he was content.
I will know your business, Harry, that I will.
Two principles in human nature reign;Self-love, to urge, and Reason, to restrain;Nor this a good, nor that a bad we call.
If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this or that.
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That
As an adjective, that has the same demonstrative force as the pronoun, but is followed by a noun.
It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.
The woman was made whole from that hour.
Upon a day out riden knightes two . . . That one of them came home, that other not.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
As a relative pronoun, that is equivalent to who or which, serving to point out, and make definite, a person or thing spoken of, or alluded to, before, and may be either singular or plural.
He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame.
A judgment that is equal and impartial must incline to the greater probabilities.
We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen.
That I have done it is thyself to wite [blame].
The ship that somebody was sailing in.
I saw to-day a corpse yborn to churchThat now on Monday last I saw him wirche [work].
That that dieth, let it die; and that that is to cut off, let it be cut off.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
As a conjunction, that retains much of its force as a demonstrative pronoun.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
To introduce a clause employed as the object of the preceding verb, or as the subject or predicate nominative of a verb.
She tells them 't is a causeless fantasy,And childish error, that they are afraid.
I have shewed before, that a mere possibility to the contrary, can by no means hinder a thing from being highly credible.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
As adverb: To such a degree; so; as, he was that frightened he could say nothing.
With singing, laughing, ogling, and all that.
The rank is but the guinea's stamp,The man's the gowd [gold] for a'that.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
To introduce, a reason or cause; - equivalent to for that, in that, for the reason that, because.
He does hear me;And that he does, I weep.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
To introduce a purpose; - usually followed by may, or might, and frequently preceded by so, in order, to the end, etc.
These things I say, that ye might be saved.
To the end that he may prolong his days.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
To introduce a consequence, result, or effect; - usually preceded by so or such, sometimes by that.
The birds their notes renew, and bleating herdsAttest their joy, that hill and valley rings.
He gazed so longThat both his eyes were dazzled.
So wept Duessa until eventide,That shining lamps in Jove's high course were lit.
Is not this the dayThat Hermia should give answer of her choice?
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Dec 08, 2023
That
In an elliptical sentence to introduce a dependent sentence expressing a wish, or a cause of surprise, indignation, or the like.
Ha, cousin Silence, that thou hadst seen that that this knight and I have seen!
O God, that right should thus overcome might!
To try if that our own be ours or no.
When he had carried Rome and that we lookedFor no less spoil than glory.
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Dec 08, 2023
That
"That" introduces essential clauses in a sentence.
She knows that honesty is important.
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Dec 08, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is "that" only used for essential information?
Yes, it introduces clauses critical to the sentence’s meaning.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
Do you always need a comma before "which"?
In most cases, yes, when it introduces a non-essential clause.
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Dec 14, 2023
Can "which" be omitted from a sentence?
Often, without changing the overall meaning.
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Dec 14, 2023
Can "that" be used in questions?
It's less common, with "which" or "what" often preferred.
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Dec 14, 2023
Can "that" and "which" be used interchangeably?
Not usually, as they serve different grammatical functions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
Are there exceptions to using "that" without a comma?
Yes, in complex sentences for clarity or emphasis.
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Dec 14, 2023
Does "that" ever take a comma before it?
Rarely, only in complex sentence structures for clarity.
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Dec 14, 2023
Is "which" used in formal writing?
Yes, particularly in non-restrictive clauses.
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Dec 14, 2023
Can "that" introduce a clause in spoken English?
Yes, it's common in both spoken and written English.
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Dec 14, 2023
Is "which" used in defining relative clauses?
Typically, it's used in non-defining relative clauses.
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Dec 14, 2023
Does "which" refer only to the immediate preceding noun?
It can refer to a part of the sentence or the whole sentence.
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Dec 14, 2023
Can "that" function as a pronoun?
Yes, "that" can be a demonstrative pronoun.
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Dec 14, 2023
Do "that" and "which" have different tones?
"That" is more direct, while "which" is more descriptive.
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Dec 14, 2023
Is "that" used in relative clauses?
Yes, especially in defining relative clauses.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
Can "which" be used to introduce essential information?
Not typically, it's more for additional, non-essential details.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
Is "that" used more in American English?
Yes, especially in restrictive clauses.
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Dec 14, 2023
Can "which" be used in informal conversation?
Yes, though its use is more common in formal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
Does "which" have a plural form?
No, "which" remains the same in plural contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
How do you decide between "that" and "which"?
Based on whether the clause is essential or additional.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
Can "which" be omitted in spoken English?
Often, especially in informal speech.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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