💡 Trivia Which is correct: "it is something that never changes" or "it is something which never changes"?

[plhbg1]

Both can be correct since “which” and “that” are used in British speech and writing as relative pronouns or relative determiners that introduce subordinate clauses (e.g., in this case, “which/that never changes”).

However, in American speech and writing, “which” is reserved for introducing non-restrictive subordinate clauses, while “that” is reserved for introducing restrictive subordinate clauses.

Examples:

• “It is something that never changes, although it is not required for the functioning of the machine.” (Restrictive)
• “It is something which, although it never changes, is not required for the functioning of the machine.” (Non-restrictive)

Note that a restrictive clause is necessary for the proper understanding of the sentence, while a non-restrictive clause is not.
The non-restrictive clause could be omitted from the sentence without changing its meaning, while the restrictive clause cannot be omitted without changing the sentence’s meaning.

 

[dgoodpirate]

Simplified answer:

The clause that comes after the word “which” or “that” is the determining factor in deciding which one to use.

*If the clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence, you use “that.”
*If you could drop the clause and leave the meaning of the sentence intact, use “which.”

The abovementioned example is an uncertain clause; therefore, both relative pronouns can be used.

 

[plhbg1]

The abovementioned example is an uncertain clause; therefore, both relative pronouns can be used.

actually we can use both to all clauses, it is the use of them that determines whether the clause is restrictive or not, so if we intend something to be restricted then we use "that"

you are correct about them being pronouns instead of conjunctions, edit ko na yung opening post, thanks

 

[sanskuro]

Di sumagot si phbot. Tanong mo ito sa general question baka lang naman sagutin ni phbot

 

[plhbg1]

Di sumagot si phbot. Tanong mo ito sa general question baka lang naman sagutin ni phbot

ginagamit ko lang si AI boss if urgent hehe takot ako baka di na magamit yung brain ko nang tuluyan