Which or That?

What is the difference between which (or who) and that,and how can you tell which one to use?

The basic question is whether you, or the person you are talking to, already know what it is that you are talking about. In the sentence 'I've lost the book that I was reading yesterday', that introduces information that the listener needs in order to know what book is being talked about. You can also say 'I've lost the book which I was reading yesterday'.

In 'This book, which I bought yesterday, is very interesting', which tells the listener something new about a book that has already been identified. You shouldn't use that in sentences of this kind.

One of the most commonly abused rules in the English language relates to the proper use of “who” and “that.” Click here to find a logic and easy to remember rule



Who, Whom, That, Which Quiz

1. Choose the correct sentence.

      A) Ahmed is the skydiver that broke his back last week.
      B) Ahmed is the skydiver whom broke his back last week.
      C) Ahmed is the skydiver who broke his back last week.
      D) Ahmed is the skydiver which broke his back last week.

2. Choose the correct sentence.

      A) That is a problem who can't be solved without a calculator.
      B) That is a problem which can't be solved without a calculator.
      C) That is a problem that can't be solved without a calculator.
      D) That is a problem whom can't be solved without a calculator.

3. Choose the correct sentence.

      A) That is a promise that cannot be broken.
      B) That is a promise who cannot be broken.
      C) That is a promise whom cannot be broken.
      D) That is a promise which cannot be broken.

4. Choose the correct sentence.

      A) The domino theory, who stated that when one country fell to Communism, others in the area would likely fall, was used as an argument to continue the Vietnam War.
      B) The domino theory, that stated that when one country fell to Communism, others in the area would likely fall, was used as an argument to continue the Vietnam War.
      C) The domino theory, which stated that when one country fell to Communism, others in the area would likely fall, was used as an argument to continue the Vietnam War.
      D) The domino theory, whom stated that when one country fell to Communism, others in the area would likely fall, was used as an argument to continue the Vietnam War.

5. Choose the correct sentence.

      A) The game which intrigues Gretchen the most is dominoes.
      B) The game whom intrigues Gretchen the most is dominoes.
      C) The game who intrigues Gretchen the most is dominoes.
      D) The game that intrigues Gretchen the most is dominoes.

6. Choose the correct sentence.

      A) Gandhi, whom was a role model for nonviolence to millions, was assassinated.
      B) Gandhi, who was a role model for nonviolence to millions, was assassinated.
      C) Gandhi, that was a role model for nonviolence to millions, was assassinated.
      D) Gandhi, which was a role model for nonviolence to millions, was assassinated.

7. Choose the correct sentence.

      A) The tomatoes that grow in her garden are unlike those you buy in a store.
      B) The tomatoes which grow in her garden are unlike those you buy in a store.
      C) The tomatoes who grow in her garden are unlike those you buy in a store.
      D) The tomatoes whom grow in her garden are unlike those you buy in a store.

8. Choose the correct sentence.

      A) The tomatoes from her garden, that grew larger than those in the grocery store, were sweet and ripe.
      B) The tomatoes from her garden, who grew larger than those in the grocery store, were sweet and ripe.
      C) The tomatoes from her garden, which grew larger than those in the grocery store, were sweet and ripe.
      D) The tomatoes from her garden, whom grew larger than those in the grocery store, were sweet and ripe.

9. Choose the correct sentence.

      A) The baker which baked that bread should win an award.
      B) The baker whom baked that bread should win an award.
      C) The baker that baked that bread should win an award.
      D) The baker who baked that bread should win an award.


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