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Q&A for How to Use "That" and "Which" Correctly
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QuestionHow is "which" used in a question?Community Answer"Which" is used in a question when you are referring choices or options. Some examples would be "Which flower do you like?" "Which song do you want to play?" "Which store are we going to?"
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QuestionHow do I use "should" and "must" correctly?Community Answer"Should" is a suggestion; "must" is an insistence, usually used when something is imperative.
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Question"I was sorry that I could not to go to class." Is this sentence correct?DonaganTop AnswererAlmost. "...that I could not go to class."
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QuestionPlease see the attached document, that/which my boss signed?DonaganTop AnswererPlease see the attached document, which my boss signed.
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QuestionHow is "which" used as one of the 6 W's?DonaganTop AnswererThe "5 W's" (what, where, when, who, and why) are the five questions considered important in gathering and reporting factual information. ("How" is sometimes included in that list.) "Which" is not typically included.
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QuestionDoes it mean that I can't use "which" instead of "that" in the sentence "I like flowers that are red"?DonaganTop AnswererYes, that's what it means. The sentence essentially says "I like red flowers." "That are red" is a restrictive clause (it helps to define the meaning of the sentence), and so the word "that" is required.
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Question"I gave her a gift I chose." vs. "I gave her a gift that I chose." Which would be correct?Community AnswerThis depends on the level of formality you want. In the first sentence, the word "that" is understood and is often left out in speech. The second sentence is technically correct; however, you might also consider simply saying, "I chose a gift to give to her" or "I chose a gift for her."
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QuestionIs "which subject are you studying?" correct?Community AnswerYes, that's correct.
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QuestionCan I use 'that' instead of 'which' in this sentence? "I have lost the watch (which) my father bought for me."DonaganTop AnswererIn this sentence you would not have to use either word: "...the watch my father bought..." is perfectly acceptable. However, if you want to insert one of those words, make it "that," because "my father bought for me" is a restrictive clause identifying a specific watch (rather than merely adding extra, non-essential information).
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Question"The pen which I gave you is red" - is this correct?DonaganTop AnswererUse "that." "That I gave you" is a restrictive clause: it identifies a particular pen and tightens the meaning of the sentence. You could also say, "The pen I gave you is red."
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Question"I was told that you might be able to help me" - is this correct?DonaganTop AnswererYes.
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Question"The classical music organization, which presents Baroque works..." or would it be "that"?DonaganTop AnswererIt depends on the intention of the sentence. If it merely adds an incidental reference to Baroque works, it's a non-restrictive clause introduced by "which." If the clause is restrictive and points to a specific organization distinguished by its Baroque presentations, it would be introduced by "that."
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Question"The book which you gave me is very interesting." Is this correct?DonaganTop Answerer"That" would be better, because the clause "you gave me" identifies a specific book and does not merely add inessential information. Alternatively you could say "the book you gave me is very interesting."
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QuestionHow do you explain the use of "in which", "at which", "on which", "for which", etc.?DonaganTop AnswererThose phrases are a quick way of adding information without having to rename the subject of the information.
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