Understanding “That” vs. “Which” Usage in Sentence Structure

1. “That” vs. “Which” • Sanford Bell • 8th-9th Grade

2. “That” and “Which” • Both used to refer to objects • Opposed to using “who” when referring to people • Both words have rules for when either can be used

3. “That” • Used to introduce a restrictive clause • Clause that is important to a sentence and/or describes a specific object, and if removed can change its meaning • ex. “Places that are noisy can distract students who are studying” • “The ball that has the red streak belongs to Devin”

4. “With” • Used to introduce a non-restrictive clause • A part of a sentence that can be removed and still doesn’t alter the sentences’ meaning • Usually needs a comma • ex. “The car, which is expensive, ran out of gas”

5. “With” • Used to introduce a non-restrictive clause • A part of a sentence that can be removed and still doesn’t alter the sentences’ meaning • Usually needs a comma • ex. “The car ran out of gas”

6. Quiz • The car ____ has tinted windows was stolen. • The desk, _____ is heavy, is where I do my homework • Steel bars, ____ are found in many places, can be used to make statues. • The clothes ____ haven’t been washed are becoming a nucance. • Computers, ____ are very popular, are sold in stores everywhere

7. Quiz • The car that has the red streak was stolen. • The desk, which is heavy, is where I do my homework • Steel bars, which are found in many places, can be used to make statues. • The clothes that haven’t been washed are becoming a nuisance. • Computers, which are very popular, are sold in stores everywhere