Which or that

Question

HiThere were a lot of cars which/that ...--- Should I use "which" or "that"?Is there a rule which says that for example "which" is used for plural nouns and "that" for singualr nouns or the other way round?

RandomGuy · Accepted Answer

NewguestThere were a lot of cars which/that ...

Both are possible. That would usually be preferable in American English.

In a nonrestrictive clause, which would be the only grammatical choice:

There were a lot of cars [in the parking lot], which [not that] was why it took me so long to find my car.

In that sentence, which, of course, does not refer only to cars but the entire main clause.

NewguestIs there a rule which says that for example "which" is used for plural nouns and "that" for singualar nouns or the other way round?

No, I’ve never heard of any such rule.

Philip · Answer

I've never come across a rule that prescribes one for plural and one for singular.  In my daily usage, they are interchangeable (and sometimes omitted).

CalifJim · Answer

Newguest Should I use "which" or "that"?

Use whichever one you like better. They are interchangeable.

Exception: If you put a comma because you're introducing a parenthetical remark, you have to use 'which':

That coat of hers, which I never did like anyway, has finally worn out and she's throwing in the trash.

CJ

Newguest · Answer

CalifJim That coat of hers, which I never did like anyway, has finally worn out and she's throwing in the trash.CJ

But if I wrote ..., which I never liked anyway ..." instead of "...,which I never did like anyway ... " that wouldn't change anything?

CalifJim · Answer

NewguestBut if I wrote ..., which I never liked anyway ..." instead of "...,which I never did like anyway ... " that wouldn't change anything?

Correct. The exact tenses in the parenthetical remark you may wish to use have nothing whatsoever to do with the point I was making.

CJ

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