Which Way is That?
August 2, 2010

One of the most confusing and long-running debates about language use (at least in English) is the one concerning ‘that’ and ‘which’, and where and how to use them.

In my work editing stories, the confusion appears to reign most commonly among junior reporters, and/or recent graduates who have either not been taught the difference or don’t see it as a particularly important issue.

And, even after 30 years in journalism, I occasionally still take pause when weighing up which of those two words should be used in the context.

If I have any lingering doubts, I go to my ‘bible’ for such moments: The Complete Plain Words, a detailed and fascinating manual by Sir Ernest Gowers which has been essential reference for journalists, copywriters and academics for more than 60 years.

I haven’t enough room here to go into great detail about his comments on the topic, but in a nutshell he acknowledges that ‘that’ is becoming less common (even when he first published in 1948), but goes on to say: “The truth is that for nearly all writers, whatever their level of excellence, the ear is a reliable guide.”

‘Which’ is almost always preceded by a comma and ‘that’ is used when the clause is definitive, ie when it is descriptive. In short, ‘that’ defines and ‘which’ informs.

Lexicologists generally agree that ‘that’ should be dispensed with if this can be done without loss of clarity. For example: “I think that the paper that he wants is in that box,” can be simplified as, “I think the paper he wants is in that box,” thereby excising two ‘thats’ without losing meaning or clarity.

There are plenty of linguistic reference books and material on this and related topics. It makes you realise, I suppose, how intricate language patterns and usage are and that we have to take great care with every sentence to get our meaning across: to communicate.

I hope this hasn’t confused you more!

Happy writing!
GARY

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