which and that

[zajel]

hi there

could u please tell me what difference beween which and that ?

thanx :)

[Rusty]

hi there

could u please tell me what difference beween which and that ?

thanx :)
Which vs. that
Here is a summary of the most commonly accepted guidelines for the use of which and that gathered from various websites:

Use of that
1. as a demonstrative pronoun (this, that, these, those).
Example: That is the one I want.
2. to introduce a clause that is essential to the meaning of the sentence.
This is called a restrictive clause. Do not put commas around it.
Example: The book that is on the table is mine.
3. That can be used when the subject of the sentence is a group.
Example: The team that won deserved the title.
When the subject is an individual person, use who or whom.
Example: The speaker who(m) you heard was from Scotland.
4. That can be omitted if a restrictive clause has a subject.
Example: The book (that) I read was a good one.
If the clause does not have a subject, that must be included.
Example: The fuel that was delivered will be enough for the winter.
5. to introduce a noun complement.
Example: That they arrived on time was a big surprise.
I don't think that they will be late again.

Use of which
1. to introduce a question.
Example: Which one would you like?
2. to introduce a non-essential clause.
A non-essential clause adds information
but is not necessary for the meaning of the sentence.
Use commas before and after a non-essential clause.
In speech, a non-essential clause is indicated by a dip in voice intonation.
Example: John brought the book, which he found at a book sale, to show his friends.
3. Some sources say that it is not incorrect to use which to introduce a restrictive clause, but that is more common.
4. Although who(m) is used in reference to individual persons,
it is OK to use which in a non-restrictive clause when referring to a group.
Example: The band, which performed at the colosseum, is one of my favorites.

[zajel]

thanx for yr help rusty

:)