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      "Which" vs "That" | English Grammar Jump to content
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      "Which" vs "That"


      Sarah676

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      Does anybody else get confused about when they should use "which" vs when they should use "that"? For example, look at the following sentences:

      "I'm wearing the dress that I love."

      "I'm wearing the dress which I love."

      I personally prefer the first sentence because it feels more correct, but I can't really explain why it's more correct using English grammar rules.

      So does anybody have a simple explanation of the rules when it comes to using "which" vs "that"?

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      I was told that try to avoid using "That" in which it considers an improper word usage. I remember one of my teachers has taught me that "Which" is a better word to use in a sentence because "That" considers misuse to some people. To me, "That" means indirect to the subject, which it refers to a completely different thing. "Which", for instance, explains further to the subject in which is being said in the first place.

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      Well, it's rather confusing at the start and if you think at it. I've never came across to that thought but huh, I believe I can give you an example of when I was one or another.

      "I've never came across to that thought."

      "I like that software which allows you to edit your video easily."

      I find myself using "that" in the place of "which" as well, but that's something I'll try to fight from now-on.

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        On 11/6/2013 at 5:46 AM, Sarah676 said:

      "I'm wearing the dress that I love."

      "I'm wearing the dress which I love."

      Or, sometimes, I'm wearing the dress I love...

      I never know which to use. It's easier in speech, no one really cares, but writing takes more considering.

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      'that' is used when the speaker knows what 'that' is.

      Example - "John liked the girl that he knew."

      'which' is used when the speaker doesn't know what 'which' is.

      Example - "I don't know which is the better book."

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        On 11/6/2013 at 7:44 AM, pandandesign said:

      I was told that try to avoid using "That" in which it considers an improper word usage. I remember one of my teachers has taught me that "Which" is a better word to use in a sentence because "That" considers misuse to some people. To me, "That" means indirect to the subject, which it refers to a completely different thing. "Which", for instance, explains further to the subject in which is being said in the first place.

      On the contrary, I read a grammar related article which says "that" never hurts to be used -- required or not --  but it may hurt the understanding of a phrase when it is omitted.

      As for the use, I often use which as an opening statement to explain the previously said, in example

      "I love to wear this pink dress, which is truly comfortable."

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