Which Pronoun to Use: ‘That’ or ‘Which’ in Relative Clauses

In English, the correct use of relative pronouns can significantly impact the clarity and formality of your writing. This article will delve into the differences between using 'that' and 'which' in relative clauses, with a focus on their omission and the correct grammatical structures in various contexts.

Introduction to Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns, such as 'that,' 'which,' and 'who,' introduce relative clauses that provide additional information about a noun mentioned in the main clause. These clauses help to clarify and enrich the meaning of sentences.

Use of 'That' in Relative Clauses

The relative pronoun 'that' is used to connect a main clause with a relative clause. In general, 'that' is preferred in formal writing for relative clauses that are closely related to the noun they modify.

Example Sentences

Formal: It is something that is very important to me.

Informal: It is something important to me.

When Can 'That' Be Omitted?

For instance, in the sentence 'I am proud of it that always worries me', the use of 'that' can be omitted in casual or informal language. However, in formal writing, it is advisable to retain the pronoun 'that' to maintain the precision and clarity of the clause.

For example, the sentence 'It is something that always worries me' would be more appropriate in formal writing, as it retains the subject-verb agreement: "something worries me" rather than "it worries me."

Use of 'Which' in Relative Clauses

The relative pronoun 'which' is used when the relative clause provides additional information but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. 'Which' is more commonly used in non-restrictive relative clauses.

Example Sentences

Formal: It is something which I am really proud of.

Informal: It is something I am really proud of.

Example Scenario

Consider the sentence 'It is something of which I am really proud'. Here, 'of which' is used to provide additional descriptive information, making the sentence less formal in nature.

Comparison of 'That' and 'Which'

The choice between 'that' and 'which' depends on the nature of the clause and the context in which it is used. Let's compare the examples given:

Correct Formal Usage: It is something that always worries me.

Correct Informal Usage: It is something that always worries me.

Correct Formal Usage: It is something of which I am really proud.

Correct Informal Usage: It is something I am really proud of.

Conclusion

Understanding the appropriate use of relative pronouns such as 'that' and 'which' is crucial for clear and effective communication. By mastering their correct usage, you can improve the formality and clarity of your writing. Remember, in formal writing, it is generally better to retain 'that' to maintain precision and clarity.