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Use that when the meaning of the sentence is affected (or even ruined) if the information after that is left out.

  • I was wearing the pants that I brought to the party
  • He held out the hand that was hurt.

Use which when the sentence still makes sense if the information after which is left out.

  • An index would have made it easier to steer through the book, which also lacks a map.

About the Writing Style Guide

This guide is designed to help ensure writing style – whether for internal or external audiences, written for print or online – is consistent and maintains a professional standard across the University. It is not designed for academic writing.

Feedback

Please send any feedback – including reports of errors or requests for changes – to writing.style@otago.ac.nz

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