Writing Tips 5

When should you use “that,” and when do you use “which”?

The rule:

• Use “that” in restrictive clauses
• Use “which” in non-restrictive clauses

HUH?

• If the information is necessary, that’s restrictive. For example: “…includes an account that has been set up within the modeled organization’s General Ledger…”
• If the info is just added info, that’s non-restrictive. For example: “…includes uncollected funds, which is what distinguishes it from collected balance…”

Rule of thumb: “Which” follows a comma, “that” doesn’t.

Here’s a rather busy example: “…an account that has been set up that includes uncollected funds, which is what distinguishes it from collected balance”

Another rule of thumb: Using “which” when you mean “that” is being pretentious. It’s fancier than necessary. If “that” works, don’t use “which.”