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When do I use "which" and when do I use "that?"
Drawing of a witch on a broomstick

Writers often use which when they should use that.

Use that when the information that follows is essential to the meaning of the sentence. (This is called a restrictive clause.)

The bicycle that is in the garage belonged to my mother.

In this sentence,  the clause "that is in the garage" is essential, because it defines which bicycle we are talking about.

Use which when the information that follows is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. (This is called a nonrestrictive clause.)

My mother's bicycle, which is in the garage, needs a new tire.

In this sentence, the fact that the bicycle is in the garage is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. It is extra detail. The point is that the bicycle needs a new tire.

To tell if you should use that or which, eliminate the clause from the sentence and see if it changes the meaning. If it does, be a "which hunter," and use that.




 




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