How To Use Which In A Sentence

Using "Which" Correctly in a Sentence: A Comprehensive Guide

The word "which" is a common yet sometimes confusing word in the English language. It functions as a relative pronoun and a determiner, and understanding its proper usage is crucial for clear and effective communication. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to use "which" correctly in a sentence, covering its functions, common mistakes, and offering plenty of examples to solidify your understanding.

Introduction

"Which" serves primarily to introduce nonrestrictive or nonessential clauses. These clauses add extra information to a sentence but are not vital for its core meaning. In essence, if you can remove the clause introduced by "which" without fundamentally changing the sentence's meaning, then "which" is likely the correct choice. Conversely, if the clause is essential to the sentence's meaning, then "that" is typically preferred. Mastering this distinction is the key to using "which" effectively.

Understanding Relative Pronouns

To fully grasp the use of "which," it's important to understand relative pronouns in general. Relative pronouns connect a dependent (or relative) clause to an independent clause. Common relative pronouns include "who," "whom," "whose," "that," and, of course, "which." Each pronoun has its specific use case, and the choice depends on the noun the clause is modifying and the type of clause being introduced.

Types of Clauses: Restrictive vs. Nonrestrictive

The most important distinction to understand is that between restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses:

• Restrictive Clauses (Essential): These clauses are essential to the meaning of the sentence. They define or limit the noun they modify. If you remove a restrictive clause, the sentence's meaning changes significantly. Restrictive clauses are introduced by "that" (for things and animals) or "who/whom" (for people). They are not set off by commas.
• Nonrestrictive Clauses (Nonessential): These clauses add extra, non-essential information to the sentence. They provide additional details, but if you remove them, the core meaning of the sentence remains unchanged. Nonrestrictive clauses are introduced by "which" (for things and animals) or "who/whom" (for people). They are always set off by commas.

The Role of "Which"

"Which" primarily serves as a relative pronoun to introduce nonrestrictive clauses that provide additional information about a noun. This noun is usually a thing or an animal. Let's break down the specific rules and usage scenarios:

1. Introducing Nonrestrictive Clauses

As mentioned, "which" introduces nonrestrictive clauses, which are always set off by commas. Consider these examples:

• "My car, which is a vintage Mustang, needs new tires."
• "The book, which I borrowed from the library, is overdue."
• "The restaurant, which has a Michelin star, is very expensive."

In each of these sentences, the clause introduced by "which" provides additional information, but the core meaning remains intact if you remove it. For example, "My car needs new tires" still makes sense on its own.

2. Referring to the Preceding Clause

"Which" can also refer to the entire clause that precedes it, offering additional commentary or consequence. This usage is also nonrestrictive and requires a comma:

• "He failed the exam, which surprised everyone."
• "She missed the train, which meant she was late for the meeting."
• "They won the lottery, which was an incredible stroke of luck."

In these cases, "which" doesn't just modify a single noun but rather the entire situation described in the preceding clause.

3. As a Determiner (Less Common)

While primarily a relative pronoun, "which" can also function as a determiner, similar to "what" or "that," to specify a choice or selection:

• "Which car do you want to buy?"
• "Which color do you prefer?"
• "Which option is the best for you?"

In these instances, "which" is used to ask a question that requires selecting from a set of possibilities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using "which" incorrectly is a common pitfall. Here are some of the most frequent errors and how to avoid them:

1. Using "Which" for Restrictive Clauses

This is the most common mistake. Remember, "which" is for nonrestrictive clauses only. Use "that" for restrictive clauses:

• Incorrect: "The house, which is on the corner, is for sale."
• Correct: "The house that is on the corner is for sale."

In the correct sentence, the clause "that is on the corner" is essential to identifying which house is for sale.

2. Omitting Commas

Failing to use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses introduced by "which" is another frequent error:

• Incorrect: "My dog which is a golden retriever loves to play fetch."
• Correct: "My dog, which is a golden retriever, loves to play fetch."

The commas indicate that the information about the dog being a golden retriever is additional, not essential.

3. Using "Which" to Refer to People

While less common, sometimes "which" is mistakenly used to refer to people. The correct pronouns for people are "who" and "whom":

• Incorrect: "The student, which studied hard, passed the exam."
• Correct: "The student, who studied hard, passed the exam."

"Who" is the appropriate relative pronoun when referring to people in nonrestrictive clauses.

4. Confusing "Which" with "That" in Defining Clauses

One of the persistent challenges is distinguishing between when to use "which" and when to use "that." A simple rule of thumb: If the clause is essential to the sentence's meaning and cannot be removed without altering the core information, use "that" and omit commas. If the clause merely adds extra information, use "which" and include commas.

• "The book that I recommended is out of stock." (Essential information; defines which book.)
• "The book, which is a bestseller, is out of stock." (Additional information; being a bestseller is extra detail.)

Practice Exercises

To reinforce your understanding, try these practice exercises. Determine whether "which" or "that" is the correct choice and add commas where necessary:

1. The car _____ I bought last year is already having problems.
2. My hometown _____ is a small village has a beautiful church.
3. The cake _____ she baked was delicious.
4. Her new phone _____ has a great camera cost a lot of money.
5. The movie _____ won the award was very long.

Answers:

1. that (The car that I bought last year is already having problems.)
2. which (My hometown, which is a small village, has a beautiful church.)
3. that (The cake that she baked was delicious.)
4. which (Her new phone, which has a great camera, cost a lot of money.)
5. that (The movie that won the award was very long.)

Advanced Usage Scenarios

Beyond the basics, there are some more nuanced ways to use "which" that can add sophistication to your writing:

1. Combining Multiple Clauses

You can use multiple "which" clauses in a single sentence to add layers of detail, but be cautious not to make the sentence overly convoluted:

• "The house, which is located on a hill, has a garden, which is full of roses."

While grammatically correct, this sentence could be clearer if broken down into shorter sentences.

2. Using "Which" in Formal Writing

In formal writing, the distinction between "which" and "that" is often more strictly observed. Pay close attention to whether the clause is restrictive or nonrestrictive to ensure accuracy.

3. Varying Sentence Structure

While "which" is useful for adding extra information, avoid overusing it. Vary your sentence structure by sometimes incorporating the additional information directly into the main clause or by using other types of subordinate clauses.

Scientific Explanation

From a linguistic perspective, the correct use of "which" (and other relative pronouns) hinges on the principles of syntax and semantics. Syntax dictates the grammatical structure of sentences, while semantics deals with their meaning. The distinction between restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses is a semantic one, influencing how the reader interprets the relationship between the main clause and the modifying clause.

Cognitive studies have shown that readers process nonrestrictive clauses as supplementary information, often pausing slightly at the commas that set them off. This pause allows the reader to integrate the extra information without disrupting the flow of the core sentence. Conversely, restrictive clauses are processed as integral parts of the sentence, directly impacting its meaning.

FAQ

Q: Can I always use "which" instead of "that"?

A: No. "Which" is specifically for nonrestrictive clauses that are set off by commas. Using "which" in place of "that" in a restrictive clause is grammatically incorrect and can change the meaning of the sentence.

Q: Is it okay to start a sentence with "which"?

A: Generally, no. "Which" is a relative pronoun and should introduce a clause that modifies a noun or another clause. Starting a sentence with "which" is usually grammatically incorrect.

Q: What if I'm unsure whether a clause is restrictive or nonrestrictive?

A: Try removing the clause. If the sentence still makes sense and retains its core meaning, the clause is likely nonrestrictive, and "which" is appropriate. If the sentence's meaning changes significantly, the clause is restrictive, and you should use "that."

Q: Are there any exceptions to the "which" and "that" rule?

A: While the distinction between "which" and "that" is generally followed in formal writing, there can be some flexibility in informal contexts. However, adhering to the standard rule is always the safest bet for clear and correct communication.

Q: How can I improve my understanding of relative pronouns?

A: Practice is key. Read widely and pay attention to how authors use relative pronouns. Do exercises and quizzes online. If you're still unsure, consult a grammar guide or ask a teacher or tutor.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of "which" in a sentence requires understanding the distinction between restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses. "Which" introduces nonrestrictive clauses, providing additional, non-essential information and always being set off by commas. Avoiding common mistakes, such as using "which" for restrictive clauses or omitting commas, will significantly improve the clarity and correctness of your writing. By understanding these rules and practicing regularly, you can confidently use "which" to enhance your communication skills.