pronouns - When to use “that” and when to use “which”?


When is it appropriate to use that as opposed to which?



Answer



That and which are interchangeable when introducing integrated relative clauses. Although some grammar mavens (i.e., people who hold forth on such topics but know little or nothing about linguistics) and copy editors will insist otherwise, the rule is completely bogus.


See, for instance, Language Log on that vs which, written by the co-editor of The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language.


Practically speaking, it is not something that any normal person will generally notice or follow in spoken English and it's frequently — and rightly — ignored even in literary writing. So even from that point of view it's not worth worrying about.


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