English Usage topic

Relative Clauses

Defining, non-defining and other relative-clause choices.

Guides in this topic

English Usage

Which vs. That

The safest choice depends on clause type and style. “That” introduces defining/restrictive relative clauses; “which” can introduce defining clauses in general and British usage, and it is also the standard choice for non-defining clauses set off by commas. Many American editorial styles prefer “that” for restrictive clauses and “which” for nonrestrictive ones.