the very magazine that/which I'd like to buy

Hi Angliholic

Definitely 'that' (or nothing at all).

Thanks, Yankee, for the correct answer.

By the way, I'm curious if most of native speakers can pick the right answer, especially those who are undereducated.

"that" is used with an essential clause while "which" is used with a restrictive clause.

AngliholicThis is the very magazine that/which I'd like to buy.

Hi Angliholic

Both are correct in a restrictive relative clause (even though Bill Gates does not know it

The that/which rules are not commonly observed in BrE - which is why we're always surprised when the AmE grammar checker picks it up!

Hi LRR

I'm aware that 'which' is much more likely to be used in a restrictive clause in BE than in AmE 'Which' is sometimes used that way in AmE too, but Angliholic's sentence does not seem to be the type in which either word might be used (in AmE). My 'definitely' response was also a reaction to the specific wording of Angliholic's question (Which will you use?). I'm curious,

Is this a forum for American English or British English? I always thought that EnglishForward is for the American variety.

Neeraj JainIs this a forum for American English or British English? I always thought that EnglishForward is for the American variety.

It's for "English." You will get answers in UK English, US English, Australian English, Indian English... etc.

Neeraj Jain"that" is used with an essential clause while "which" is used with a restrictive clause.

Thanks, Jain, for your concerns of this question.

By the way, what do you mean by "an essential clause?"

Grammar GeekIt's for "English." You will get answers in UK English, US English, Australian English, Indian English... etc.

And Helsinki English as well...