Question

I have a bit of a problem when to restrict a word or phrase. When to use "which" or "that". Can anybody help me paint a clearer picture on this? Thank you! :)

Answer 1

im not sure i understand what youre asking

Answer 2

i mean like i use which in a question and that as a statement...is that what you need? orrrr

Answer 3

You don't only have to use which in a question. You can use it in a statement as a cause-effect word such as; "They didn't have anymore copies of her album which caused customers to complain and then leave."

Answer 4

Here's the deal according to Grammar Girl: You use that before a restrictive clause and which before everything else.
Restrictive Clause—That

A restrictive clause is just part of a sentence that you can't get rid of because it specifically restricts some other part of the sentence. Here's an example:

Gems that sparkle often elicit forgiveness.

The words that sparkle restrict the kind of gems you're talking about. Without the words, that sparkle, the meaning of the sentence would change. You would be saying that all gems elicit forgiveness, not just the gems that sparkle. (And note that you don't need commas around the words that sparkle.)
Nonrestrictive Clause—Which

A nonrestrictive clause is something that can be left off without changing the meaning of the sentence. You can think of a nonrestrictive clause as simply additional information. Here's an example:

Diamonds, which are expensive, often elicit forgiveness.

Alas, in Grammar Girl's world, diamonds are always expensive, so leaving out the words which are expensive doesn't change the meaning of the sentence. (Also note that the phrase is surrounded by commas. Nonrestrictive clauses are usually surrounded by, or preceded by, commas.) Here's another example:

There was an earthquake in China, which is bad news.

Hope this helps... :)

Answer 5

oh right! lol "that" is used to restrict a clause and you only use it when the clause is essential to the sentence. but thanks anyway :)