26/01/2024
Using "which", "who" and "that" as a relative pronoun.
"Which" is used for things
"who" is used for people
"that" is used for things and informally for people too.
let's see how to use it. follow Oxford Advance Grammar for more and share with friends.
Please note the following information regarding the use of "which" and "that" for things, and "who" and "that" for people: 😊
When referring to things, "which" is used when the thing being referred to is followed by a comma and is not essential to define another word. On the other hand, "that" can be used to replace "which" without a comma. However, in the US, it is strongly preferred to use "that" instead of "which" without a comma. 😎
For example:
- The carpet which you bought has moth damage. (Correct but unpopular in the US)
- The carpet that you bought has moth damage. (Correct and preferred in the US)
- My Persian carpet, which I bought in Qom, has been chewed by the dog. (Correct with a comma) 🐶
When referring to people, "who" is used instead of "which" or "that." However, in informal writing, "that" can also be used for people. 😊
For example:
- The boy who stole your bike is at the door.
- The boy that stole your bike is at the door. (Informal) 👦🏼
When using "which" or "who," sometimes a comma is needed before the clause. If the information added by the clause is additional information and is not essential to define another word, then offset the clause with commas. If the clause defines the word that precedes it, then no commas are needed. ✍️
For example:
- Philosophy is written in the universe, which stands continually open to our gaze. (Commas are needed because the clause is additional information)
- Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. (No commas are needed because the clause defines the word "language.")
Lastly, a "which" without commas can be replaced with "that." 😃
For example:
- Kindness is the language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
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