That Took Place vs. Which Took Place – Which is Correct?

Both “that took place” and “which took place” are grammatically correct, but they serve different purposes. Use “that took place” for essential information identifying an event; use “which took place” for nonessential information, usually set off by commas. In formal American English, punctuation and intended meaning determine the best choice.

That Took Place or Which Took Place – Which is Correct?

Both “that took place” and “which took place” are correct English phrases. The difference is usually determined by whether the clause provides essential information or additional information.

Use “that took place” in a restrictive relative clause when the information identifies which event you mean. Do not normally place commas around this clause.

Use “which took place” in a nonrestrictive relative clause when the event has already been identified and the clause simply adds extra information. In this use, commas are required.

For example, compare these sentences:

• The meeting that took place on Monday was canceled. This identifies which meeting was canceled.
• The meeting, which took place on Monday, was canceled. The sentence treats the Monday meeting as already identified and adds the date as extra information.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

Use the remove-it test. Remove the clause beginning with “which took place.” If the sentence still clearly identifies the noun, “which” is usually appropriate and commas should surround the clause. If removing the clause makes the meaning unclear or changes which event is being discussed, use “that” without commas.

Another useful reminder is: “That selects; which supplies.” The word “that” helps select or identify a specific event, while “which” commonly supplies extra information about an event already known.

How to Use That Took Place

Use “that took place” when the clause is necessary to identify the event under discussion. This construction is especially useful when several events, meetings, incidents, or ceremonies could fit the noun. Because the clause is restrictive, it is generally written without commas.

“That took place” is common in formal, academic, journalistic, and everyday writing. It can describe an event in the past, an incident, a conversation, a change, or any other completed occurrence.

Example 1: The investigation focused on the incident that took place near the station.

Example 2: Researchers analyzed the changes that took place during the experiment.

Example 3: She described the conversation that took place after the performance.

Etymology of the Phrase That Took Place

The phrase combines several historically established English elements. That comes from Old English þæt, a demonstrative and relative word. Took is the irregular past tense of take, which developed from Old English tacan. Place entered English through Old French and ultimately derives from Latin platea, meaning an open area or street. The expression “take place” gradually became an established idiom meaning “happen” or “occur.”

Because “took” is an irregular past-tense form, writers should distinguish it carefully from Took vs. Taken in related constructions.

How to Use Which Took Place

Use “which took place” when the clause provides additional information about an event that is already sufficiently identified. In this use, the clause is nonrestrictive and must be separated from the main sentence with commas.

This construction is common in formal writing, reports, historical accounts, and narratives. It can also appear in less formal writing when the writer wants to add a date, location, or circumstance without using a separate sentence.

Example 1: The conference, which took place in Chicago, attracted international speakers.

Example 2: The final match, which took place under heavy rain, lasted nearly three hours.

Example 3: The announcement, which took place shortly after noon, surprised the entire staff.

In some styles, particularly informal American English, writers may use “which” in a restrictive clause. However, using “that” for essential information and “which” with commas for additional information is a clear and widely accepted convention.

Etymology of the Phrase Which Took Place

Which comes from Old English hwilc, meaning “which” or “what sort.” It developed into a relative pronoun used to refer to things, animals, and sometimes entire preceding clauses. Like “that took place,” this phrase uses the idiom “take place,” which means “happen” or “occur.”

Related Concepts

Understanding relative clauses and punctuation makes the distinction between these two phrases much easier to apply.

• Restrictive relative clause: A restrictive clause gives essential information that identifies the noun. It is not normally separated with commas and often begins with “that.”
• Nonrestrictive relative clause: A nonrestrictive clause adds extra information about an already identified noun. It is set off by commas and often begins with “which.”
• Relative pronoun: “That” and “which” can introduce clauses that describe a preceding noun, such as an event, meeting, or incident.
• Take place: This is an idiom meaning “happen,” “occur,” or “be held.” It is normally used for events rather than for people or objects.

Examples from Media and Literature

News writing, historical nonfiction, fiction, and documentary scripts frequently use both constructions. The following examples demonstrate the difference without changing the intended meaning:

• News style: Officials investigated the explosion that took place near the harbor. The clause identifies which explosion officials investigated.
• Historical writing: The treaty, which took place after months of negotiation, changed relations between the two countries. The clause adds background information.
• Film review: The courtroom scene that took place near the end of the movie reveals the central secret.
• Literary narration: The festival, which took place beneath a full moon, becomes a memorable turning point in the story.
• Documentary narration: Historians revisited the protest that took place outside the government building.

Practice Exercises

Choose that took place or which took place to complete each sentence. Add commas where necessary.

1. The interview ________ in the library was recorded for the documentary.
2. The interview, ________ in the library, was recorded for the documentary.
3. Investigators examined the fire ________ shortly before midnight.
4. The ceremony, ________ on a quiet spring morning, lasted two hours.
5. The events ________ during the final chapter explain the character’s decision.

Answer Key

1. that took place — The clause identifies which interview was recorded.
2. which took place — The clause adds nonessential information and requires commas.
3. that took place — The clause identifies which fire investigators examined.
4. which took place — The clause provides additional information about the ceremony.
5. that took place — The clause identifies the events being discussed.

That Took Place Synonyms

Which Took Place Synonyms

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is “that took place” grammatically correct?
Yes. “That took place” is correct when the clause is essential to identifying the event. It is generally written without commas.

Question 2: Is “which took place” grammatically correct?
Yes. “Which took place” is correct when it adds nonessential information about an already identified event. In this use, commas should surround the clause.

Question 3: Can “that took place” and “which took place” be used interchangeably?
Not always. Replacing one with the other can change whether the information is essential. “That” usually identifies a specific event, while “which” usually adds a supplementary detail.

Conclusion

Both “that took place” and “which took place” are correct. Choose “that took place” when the clause identifies which event you mean, and choose “which took place” when the clause adds extra information. Remember the rule: “That selects; which supplies.” Pro Tip: Consistent grammar and punctuation strengthen your clarity and professional reputation.