Relative Pronouns: Which for Things

Relative pronouns are like sticky notes. You attach them to a noun to add more details. In this case, we use which for objects. We also use it for ideas and animals. Think of it as a pointer. It points back to the thing you just mentioned. You do not need to repeat the noun again. This saves time and makes you sound smarter. It is like a shortcut for your brain. When you use which, you create a relative clause. This clause gives extra information about the subject. It tells the listener exactly which thing you mean. It is like adding a filter to a photo. It brings out the specific details you want people to see.

1. 1Start with a main sentence about a thing.
2. 2Identify the noun you want to describe.
3. 3Remove the period at the end of the sentence.
4. 4Delete the pronoun like it or they from the second part.
5. 5Add the word which right after the main noun.
6. 6Finish with the extra information you want to share.
7. 7Example: "I bought a phone. It has a great camera."
8. 8Result: "I bought a phone which has a great camera."
9. 9It is like a puzzle. You remove one piece and snap in the new one. Just make sure the pieces fit together logically.

Use which when you want to describe an object clearly. This happens a lot in daily life. Imagine you are at a job interview. You talk about a project which you managed. Or perhaps you are ordering food at a cafe. You ask for the dish which is spicy. It is perfect for giving extra facts. Use it for animals too. "The cat which lives next door is very loud." It adds flavor to your descriptions. You can use it in emails to describe a report. You can use it in stories to describe a haunted house. It is a very flexible word. Think of it like a Swiss Army knife for your sentences.

Never use which for people. That is a big grammar mistake. For people, we always use who. If you say "The man which is tall," it sounds very strange. It is like calling a person a toaster. People are not objects! Also, be careful after words like everything or nothing. In those cases, that is usually the better choice. Stick to objects and animals for which. Also, do not use it for places if you mean "at that place." In that case, use where. Use which only when the place is the object of the action. It is like a traffic light. You must stop and check the noun first.

The biggest mistake is repeating the pronoun. Do not say "The book which I read it was good." You already have which. You must delete the word it. Another mistake is using which for your boss or friend. They are humans, not things! Finally, some people forget the comma. If the info is just extra, use a comma. If the info is essential, you might not need one. But don't worry too much yet. Even native speakers mess up commas sometimes. Just focus on picking the right word first. Think of it like learning to drive. You check your mirrors before you turn. Check your noun before you use which.

You might wonder about the word that. In many cases, they are like twins. You can often swap them. However, which feels a bit more formal. In British English, which is used very often. In American English, people use that for essential info. Think of which as the slightly fancier cousin. It is like wearing a nice shirt instead of a t-shirt. Also, compare it to who. Who is for your neighbor. Which is for your neighbor's car. Do not mix them up. It is like putting salt in your coffee. It just does not belong there.