Difference Between “That” and “Which”

“That” and “which” are both relative pronouns that are used to introduce relative clauses in sentences.

  1. Restrictive Clauses (Defining Clauses):
    • That: It is used to introduce restrictive clauses, which are also known as defining clauses. These clauses provide essential information about the noun they modify. They are not set off by commas.
      • Example: “The book that is on the table is mine.” (Here, the clause “that is on the table” defines which book is being referred to.)
    • Which: It is used to introduce non-restrictive clauses, also known as non-defining clauses. These clauses provide additional, non-essential information about the noun. They are set off by commas.
      • Example: “The book, which is on the table, is mine.” (Here, the clause “which is on the table” provides additional information about the book but doesn’t define it.)
  2. Use in American vs. British English:
    • In American English, “that” is commonly used for both restrictive and non-restrictive clauses.
    • In British English, “which” is often preferred for non-restrictive clauses, while “that” is still used for restrictive clauses.
  3. Preference and Clarity:
    • Some writers and style guides prefer the use of “which” for non-restrictive clauses to make sentences clearer and less ambiguous. However, this is a matter of style and can vary.

How to create an impressive resume?

  1. Open ChatGPT and write the prompt “You are my Resume Creator”
  2. Go to LinkedIn and copy the job description of the company that you want to apply for
  3. Paste in ChatGPT along with some of the information about you
  4. Copy the resume created by ChatGPT and past it in instaresume.IO which will create a customized template
  5. Go to SkillSyncer website and upload your resume (This will provide the ATS score and will help you find out the keywords that your resume is missing)

Why is it important to have a rich vocabulary?

1. It Improves Reading Comprehension: Research has shown that kids need to understand 98% of the words they read to understand what they are reading. Improving vocabulary skills will improve their understanding of novels and textbooks.

2. Strong vocabulary allows you to develop other skills: The good news is that improving your vocabulary has a direct, positive impact on your capacity to build up your language proficiency as a whole. A leading linguist researcher Paul Nation notes: “Vocabulary is not an end in itself. A rich vocabulary makes the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing easier to perform.” (5) When your working memory is not loaded with hesitation about the correct spelling, pronunciation and contextual use of the words, you can concentrate fully on higher level aspects of language such as using precise sentence structures and appropriate expressions for the type of conversation that is going on.

3. Helps you to express better in writing: Having a good vocabulary to draw from can help you write more effectively. Students need to use a more formal tone when writing – not conversational language – and to do that, they need a richer vocabulary to tap into those words we don’t use when we speak.

4. Boost your power of persuasion: At work, in politics, in activism or in relationships it is crucial to be able to convince people. You want people to believe in you and support you. And one of the common methods that experts suggest to develop the skill of persuasion is to have a rich persuading vocabulary.

5. Professional Success: Researcher Johnson O’Connor found that “a person’s vocabulary level is the best single predictor of occupational success.”  Success in the business place depends on your communication skills.

References:

  1. Top 5 Reasons Why Vocabulary Matters
  2. Why is vocabulary acquisition so important?