Which is proper -- "that" or "which"

Question

Which is proper...We are proud of the samples that were collected.Or..We are proud of the samples which were collected.

The Linguist · Accepted Answer

The first one.

The Linguist

CalifJim · Answer

Both are correct.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

This is a British/American thing. In American, you would use that in a restrictive sense (i.e., it wouldn't be in an independent clause), and which in a non-restrictive sense (not necessary to the identification of the noun, just additional information). For example, "the pen that I found this morning" or "the pen, which was red, was lying on the road".

In British English, however, either can be used in the restrictive sense, the pen that I found this morning or the pen which I found this morning.

Mister Micawber · Answer

No, your supposition is incorrect, Anon.  The two words are used the same way in American and other major Englishes.

The Linguist · Answer

I'm afraid I have to disagree with you on this one, Mr. Micawber.

Though native speakers might use which and that interchangeably in spoken English, the distinction is maintained in academic American English.

Since graduate student days are long behind me, I no longer have a copy of the Chicago Manual of Style lying around the house and I can't quote you chapter and verse, but trust me, if you get this wrong on an academic paper, you will be called on it.

The Linguist

Mister Micawber · Answer

I wouldn't trust you as far as I could throw you, Anon.

"The standard rule requires that that should be used only to introduce a restrictive (or defining) relative clause, which identifies the entity being talked about; in this use it should never be preceded by a comma.... Some grammarians extend the rule and insist that, just as that should be used only in restrictive clauses, which should be used only in nonrestrictive clauses. Thus, they suggest that we should avoid sentences such as I need a book which will tell me all about city gardening, where the restrictive clause which will tell me all about city gardening indicates which sort of book is needed. But this extension of the rule is far from universally accepted, and the use of which with restrictive clauses is common. Furthermore, since that cannot be used with clauses introduced by a preposition (whether or not restrictive), which is used with both clauses when such a clause is joined by and or or to another that does not begin with a preposition, as in It is a philosophy in which the common man may find solace and which many have found reason to praise." (American Heritage Dictionary)

"Is there any difference between the use of that and which in sentences such as any book that gets children reading is worth having , and any book which gets children reading is worth having ? The general rule in British English is that, in restrictive relative clauses, where the relative clause serves to define or restrict the reference to the particular one described, which can replace that. However , in non-restrictive relative clauses, where the relative clause serves only to give additional information, that cannot be used: this book, which is set in the last century, is very popular with teenagers but not this book, that is set in the last century, is very popular with teenagers . In US English which is generally [my italics - MM] used only for non-restrictive relative clauses" (Compact Oxford)

The Linguist · Answer

Perhaps, but I repeat, in academic American English writing, especially scientific writing, the distinction between that in restrictive and which in non-restrictive clauses is rigorously maintained. I've been there. I know it's true, from personal experience.

The Linguist

Mister Micawber · Answer

How long ago?

The Linguist · Answer

Mid 80's

CalifJim · Answer

The Linguistin academic American English writing, especially scientific writing, the distinction between that in restrictive and which in non-restrictive clauses is rigorously maintained

I wonder who came up with such a pointless recommendation. (My experience corresponds entirely with the quotations cited by Mr. M.)

CJ

Which is proper -- "that" or "which"

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