The English language\u2014its words, its structure, its stylistic possibilities\u2014is rich, descriptive, and versatile. It can communicate with precision and convey vivid, persuasive thoughts and ideas.<\/p>\n
At times, it can also confuse. Those not familiar with the nuanced or multiple meanings of many English words and the finer points of grammar can sometimes trip where they\u2019re looking to stride in their writing. The good news is removing such stumbling blocks requires only that we identify those that often appear.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve singled out several speed bumps that remain frequent throughout current communication, including blogs, websites, magazines, newspapers, business correspondence, and even novels. Discussing and distinguishing them allows us to better smooth the road for writing that glides.<\/p>\n
Speed Bump:\u00a0That<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0Which<\/em>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n These pronouns are still often used interchangeably, and some style arbiters will even say that\u2019s okay today. We say let\u2019s keep their correct original functions so we can write more concisely.<\/p>\n Compare the following sentences:<\/p>\n I want the train set\u00a0that<\/em>\u00a0is in the store window. In spoken language, you\u2019ll probably be understood either way. In writing, however, the door opens for ambiguity if we don\u2019t correctly distinguish and punctuate\u00a0that\u00a0<\/em>and\u00a0which<\/em>.<\/p>\n That<\/em>\u00a0is a restrictive pronoun that limits or identifies the word or phrase it modifies.\u00a0Which<\/em>\u00a0is a non-restrictive pronoun that doesn\u2019t limit or identify.<\/p>\n If we want the specific train set that is displayed in the window to the exclusion of any other set in the store, we would use\u00a0that<\/em>\u00a0because it defines.<\/p>\n If we\u2019re referring to a train set without excluding others\u2014any train set in the store that is like the one displayed in the window will do\u2014we would use\u00a0which<\/em>\u00a0set off with a comma:\u00a0I want the train set, which is in the store window.<\/em>\u00a0The non-restrictive\u00a0which<\/em>\u00a0also introduces information that enhances but may not be essential.\u00a0I want the train set<\/em>\u00a0is the main, unrestricted thought;\u00a0which is in the store window\u00a0<\/em>further clarifies but is not required for understanding.<\/p>\n
\nI want the train set\u00a0which<\/em>\u00a0is in the store window.<\/p>\n