Ever stumbled over whether to use 'that' or 'which' in a sentence? You're not alone! These relative pronouns introduce clauses that provide extra information, but knowing when to use each one is key to clear writing.
Think of 'that' as a **restrictive** pronoun. It introduces a clause *essential* to the sentence's meaning. If you remove it, the sentence loses vital information. Example: 'The book *that* I borrowed from you is great.' (Which book? The one borrowed from you.)
'Which,' on the other hand, is **nonrestrictive**. It introduces a clause that adds extra, but not essential, information. It's often set off by commas. Example: 'My car, *which* is a vintage model, needs repairs.' (We already know it's your car; the vintage detail is extra).
**Simple Rule:** If the clause is crucial to understanding the noun it modifies, use 'that'. If it's just extra info, use 'which' with commas. Mastering this simple distinction will sharpen your writing and prevent ambiguity!
