A 'which vs that' question

Question

This is my first post, so hi!!In some instances I get very confused as to whether I should use 'that' or 'which' in a sentence. This is especially so thanks to Microsoft Word underlining those sentences for me The sentence I'm having trouble with right now is the following: " Given the variety of variables which influence the outcome of stability, how can they each be measured to ...". MWord is suggesting I either use 'which, influence the outcome...' (WHICH is obviously wrong) or replace which with that.Thoughts?

Canadian45 · Accepted Answer

Welcome!

I would definiitely use 'that'. It sounds much better to me.

Dimsumexpress · Answer

Given the variety of variables which influence the outcome of stability, how can they each be measured to ..."

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This is not really a good scentific sentence in my opinion. Variables are not something constant, so whether they will "influence" remains unknown. So I would add "may" influene..." . "Out come of stability" of what? So without further context, I can only say that variables are abstract nouns, just like situation, circumstance, environment and etc. If I am describing something involving these nouns, "that" and "which" are equally possible, depending on the entire text. But "that" has an ambiguous role; it can be a relative pronoun, or act as a conjunction which may confuse the meaning at times. But "which" is clearly a pronoun in this use. Also it depends on whether or not it is restrictive or non-restrictive clause. So given the context of your sentence, I personally prefer "which".

Here is an excerpt from a website:

In "Who, That, Which" I explain which of these pronouns are appropriate for different kinds of antecedents. But another problem people often have when using relative pronouns is deciding when a relative clause is restrictive or nonrestrictive.

Whether a relative clause is restrictive or nonrestrictive matters for two reasons:

1. Restrictive relative clauses are not set off by commas, while nonrestrictive relative clauses are.

2. As a general rule, the pronoun "that" should be used for restrictive relative clauses, and "which" should be used for

We are receiving reports, which have not been confirmed that a plane with 300 passengers has crashed in the Rockies with possible heavy loss of lives.

CalifJim · Answer

sepandeeMWord is suggesting I either use 'which, influence the outcome...'

Seriously? Are you sure it wasn't with the comma before which? (Not that that would have been right either.)

CJ

Sepandee · Answer

Sorry, I meant comma before which.

CalifJim · Answer

sepandeeSorry, I meant comma before which.

I thought so.

For more on 'which' vs 'that', see

Either is possible for restrictive clauses. Ignore Microsoft Word.

CJ

A 'which vs that' question

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