Which vs. That

Although many people interchange these terms, they are used in distinct ways.

• That introduces a restrictive clause. A restrictive clause limits the meaning of a sentence so, if it were absent, the sentence could be unspecific or take on a different meaning. There are no commas setting off the modifier.

EXAMPLE: The article that I wrote was very short.

• Which introduces a nonrestrictive clause. Nonrestrictive clauses add information to a sentence but are not crucial. These clauses are set off with commas.

EXAMPLE: The article, which I wrote for Uncapped, was very short.

NOTE: Be careful not to use either of these terms in reference to a person. Instead, use who.