Which or that

Question

could you please explain with example sentences as to what the basic difference is to be kept in mind while using 'which' or 'that' as personal pronoun.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

KANA RAM MEENAusing 'which' or 'that' as personal pronoun

Those are not personal pronouns and should not be used as personal pronouns. Your question suggests that you want information about those words asrelative pronouns, which are quite different from personal pronouns.

The usage depends on the type of relative clause. You can have a defining relative clause, also called a restrictive relative clause, or you can have a non-defining relative clause, also called a non-restrictive relative clause. Defining clauses are not set off by commas. Non-defining clauses are set off by commas. The usage also depends on whether the antecedent is a person (or not).

Defining relative clause, antecedent a person: Use who(m) or that.
Defining relative clause, antecedent not a person: Use which or that.
Non-defining relative clause, antecedent a person: Use who(m) (and a comma).
Non-defining relative clause, antecedent not a person: Use which (and a comma).

Examples

People who have pets are usually friendly.
People that have pets are usually friendly.
Sally likes clothes which are fashionable.
Sally likes clothes that are fashionable.

That essay was written by my brother, who is a journalist.
Fred is taking omeprazole, which is a medication.

CJ

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