Something That vs. Something Which – Which is Correct?
Both “something that” and “something which” are grammatically correct, but they are not always interchangeable. Use “something that” for essential information and in most everyday American English. Use “something which” mainly when the clause is nonrestrictive, usually after a comma, or when referring to a particular thing already identified clearly.
Something That or Something Which – Which Is Correct?
Both something that and something which are correct phrases. The choice depends on the type of relative clause that follows and on the level of formality you want.
Use something that when the information following that identifies exactly what you mean. This is a restrictive relative clause, and it normally does not use commas.
She wants something that will make the room brighter.
Here, “that will make the room brighter” tells us which type of thing she wants. In everyday American English, something that is usually the most natural choice.
Use something which when which introduces additional information about an already identified thing. This nonrestrictive clause is normally separated with commas.
She bought a new lamp, something which made the room brighter.
In this sentence, the lamp has already been identified. The phrase “which made the room brighter” adds extra information rather than identifying the lamp.
In formal writing, many style guides recommend using that for restrictive clauses and which for nonrestrictive clauses. However, which can also be used in restrictive clauses, especially in British English and in some formal or traditional American writing.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the comma test. If the information is essential to identify the thing, use that without a comma. If the information is extra and could be removed without changing which thing you mean, use which after a comma.
- Essential information: I need something that can hold water.
- Additional information: I found a container, something which can hold water.
A second helpful trick is to replace the clause with “and it.” If that replacement makes sense, which may be appropriate: “I found a container, and it can hold water.” If the clause identifies the noun, choose that: “I need something that can hold water.”
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| that | Relative pronoun | Introduces essential information about something | Choose something that fits the space. |
| which | Relative pronoun | Introduces additional information about something already identified | I chose the blue vase, which fits the space. |
How to Use Something That
Something that introduces a relative clause describing an unspecified object, idea, action, or situation. The clause usually provides information necessary to explain which “something” the speaker means.
This construction is common in conversations, business writing, academic work, instructions, and nearly every other type of American English. It is generally more direct and natural than something which when the clause is restrictive.
Example 1: We need something that can solve the problem quickly.
Example 2: He is looking for something that does not require batteries.
Example 3: The teacher assigned something that everyone could complete at home.
Etymology of the Word That
The word that comes from Old English þæt, a demonstrative pronoun and conjunction related to the word the. Over time, it developed several grammatical functions, including its modern use as a relative pronoun introducing restrictive clauses.
How to Use Something Which
Something which introduces a relative clause describing an object, idea, action, or situation. In careful American English, it is especially useful when the clause provides nonessential information and is separated by commas.
Because which can sound more formal than that, writers often use it in reports, essays, legal documents, and polished prose. It should not automatically be treated as incorrect in a restrictive clause, but clarity and punctuation are important.
Example 1: She discovered something which changed her understanding of the issue.
Example 2: He purchased a device, something which he had researched for months.
Example 3: The museum displayed something which had once belonged to the author.
In the first example, which changed her understanding of the issue can be read as identifying the thing she discovered. In the second and third examples, the information is presented as an added comment about an already identified object.
Etymology of the Word Which
The word which comes from Old English hwilc, meaning “which” or “what sort of.” It is related to the interrogative words what and who. It developed into a relative pronoun used to refer mainly to things rather than people.
Related Concepts
Understanding relative clauses and restrictive punctuation makes the difference between something that and something which much easier to recognize.
- Relative pronouns: Words such as that, which, who, and whom connect a noun or pronoun to additional information in a relative clause.
- Restrictive clauses: A restrictive clause is essential because it identifies the exact person or thing being discussed. It normally does not use commas.
- Nonrestrictive clauses: A nonrestrictive clause adds optional information about an already identified noun. It is normally enclosed by commas.
- Antecedent: The antecedent is the noun or idea that a relative pronoun refers to. In “I found something that works,” something is the antecedent of that.
Examples from Media and Literature
Writers in journalism, fiction, essays, and screenplays use both constructions. The following examples show how the choice changes the relationship between the noun and the clause.
- News reporting: “Investigators found something that could explain the sudden failure.” The clause identifies what kind of thing investigators found, so that is natural.
- Travel writing: “The guide recommended a small restaurant, something which became the highlight of the trip.” The restaurant is already identified, and the final clause adds a comment.
- Literary narration: “She wanted something that would restore her confidence.” The relative clause explains what she wanted.
- Documentary commentary: “The team recovered an ancient tool, something which revealed how the settlement had worked.” The second clause supplies additional information.
- Formal essay writing: “The proposal offers something that earlier plans lacked: a practical timetable.” The clause identifies the important feature of the proposal.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence. In some cases, both words may be grammatically possible, but select the option that best fits standard American style and the intended meaning.
- We need something ___ can withstand high temperatures.
- She found a solution, something ___ nobody had expected.
- He wants something ___ will help him sleep.
- The company introduced a new feature, something ___ customers had requested for years.
- They are searching for something ___ explains the unusual pattern.
Answer Key
- that — The clause identifies the type of thing needed.
- which — The clause adds information about an already identified solution.
- that — The clause identifies what kind of thing he wants.
- which — The clause is an additional comment about the feature.
- that — The clause identifies what kind of thing they are searching for.
Something That Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Anything that | Any object, idea, or action meeting the stated condition |
| An object that | A physical thing described by the following clause |
| A thing that | A general alternative to “something that” |
| Whatever | Anything of an unspecified type that meets a condition |
Something Which Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Something that | A common alternative, especially for essential information |
| An item that | A particular object or entry described by a relative clause |
| A thing that | A less formal phrase referring to an unspecified thing |
| That which | A formal phrase meaning “the thing that” |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “something which” grammatically correct?
Yes. “Something which” is grammatically correct. It is particularly suitable when which introduces additional information about an already identified thing, usually after a comma.
Question 2: Is “something that” better than “something which”?
Neither phrase is always better. “Something that” is usually clearer and more natural for essential information in American English, while “something which” can be useful for nonrestrictive or more formal descriptions.
Question 3: Should I use a comma before “which”?
Use commas when the clause is nonrestrictive and adds information that is not necessary to identify the noun. Do not use a comma when the clause restricts or identifies the meaning of the noun.
Question 4: Can “which” replace “that” in every sentence?
No. Although which is sometimes used in restrictive clauses, replacing that with which can make a sentence sound formal, ambiguous, or inconsistent with the preferred style guide.
Question 5: Can I use “that” after a comma?
Usually, no. Standard American usage generally uses which for a nonrestrictive clause after a comma. For example: “She bought a new laptop, which was expensive.”
Conclusion
Both something that and something which are correct. Choose something that when the following clause is essential to identify the thing, and choose something which when the clause adds extra information about an identified thing, commonly after a comma. Pro Tip: In professional writing, consistent punctuation and clear clause structure protect your credibility more than choosing one form mechanically.
