open writing lab that or which 26.05.2011 cgb. don’t make it a witch hunt! tip: which one do you...
TRANSCRIPT
Open Writing Lab
That OR Which
26.05.2011 CGB
Don’t make it a witch hunt!
TIP: Which one do you need?!
Which is correct?
• “To our knowledge, it is the only body in the solar system which currently sustains life, although several other bodies are under investigation.”
• “To our knowledge, it is the only body in the solar system that currently sustains life, although several other bodies are under investigation.”
What are the differences in meaning?
• Who ate the cake that I bought this morning?
• Who ate the cake which I bought this morning?
Any errors??
RULE (when referring to objects)
• THAT introduces a restrictive clause.– (no comma)
• WHICH introduces a non-restrictive or parenthetical clause.– (set in commas)
Test …
• Remove that / which clause.
• Does the meaning change?
• If yes, then clause is restrictive.
Gems that sparkle often elicit forgiveness.
Diamonds, which are expensive, often elicit forgiveness.
Meaning changes …
• The painting that was hanging in the foyer was stolen.
• The painting, which was hanging in the foyer, was stolen.
• The Van Gogh that was hanging in the foyer, which we purchased in 1929 for $10 000, was stolen.
More …
http://folk.uib.no/gmset/writing/practical_tips/that_which.html
CGB’s Open Writing Lab
http://folk.uib.no/gmset/writing/open_writing_lab.html