That which

Question

What is used only to refer to things and not persons. When used as a relative pronoun what means ‘that which’.

https://www.englishgrammar.org/relative-pronouns-2/
What is the meaning of "that which"?
Thanks

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

JigneshbharatiWhat is the meaning of "that which"?

The meaning is 'what'. The sentence already tells you that.

'what' = 'that which' 
and 'that which' = 'what' 
(in relative constructions, as it says).

Also
'what' = 'the thing that' = 'that which' 
and 'the thing that' = 'that which' = 'what'.

Examples:

Is chicken sagwala what you like? = Is chicken sagwala the thing that you like? = Is chicken sagwala that which you like? 

What I want is a new car. = That which I want is a new car. = The thing that I want is a new car.

Do what makes sense to you. = Do that which makes sense to you. = Do the thing that makes sense to you.

Viruses are what cause colds. = Viruses are that which cause colds. = Viruses are the things which cause colds.

What you should do is take a rest. = That which you should do is take a rest. = The thing that you should do is take a rest.

CJ

That which

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