What is the purpose of which and that?
Which and that are words that help introduce new or additional information in sentences.
Which is used…
- To add non‐essential information.
- This means that the information can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence.
- These clauses are also known as non-restrictive clauses.
- Which clauses are enclosed by commas think about them as “handlebars,” which the reader can use to pull the information out of the sentence.
Which looks like…
- Daytona Beach, which is a favorite spring break destination for college students, has cracked down on underage drinking.
That is used…
- To add essential information, meaning that the added information is necessary in order for the reader to understand the sentence.
- These clauses are also known as restrictive clauses.
- In this case, do not enclose the clause in commas.
That looks like…
- Chairs, that don’t have cushions, are uncomfortable.
- Chairs that don’t have cushions are uncomfortable.