Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Illysook]

I had a sentence in my powerpoint that a Korean English teacher questioned. I knew it was right, but I could not explain why. It went like this:

On Thanksgiving, there is so much food, that we have leftovers.

She asked me why I used the word that instead of which

I may have a comma problem going on, and that might be why she's confused, but I'm not sure.

[jizza]

You shouldn't have used a comma there. It's confusing the way it reads with a comma.

As for that vs. which, there are numerous grammar guides out there.

"which" is non-restrictive

"that" is restrictive

the best way to explain this is to see it in action.

The pen that he drew with is expensive.

Then pen, which he drew with, is expensive.

In the first example, 'that' is used to restrict which pens one is referring to.

In the second, the 'which' is not restricting which pen it is, it's just extra information which you may find relevant.


I usually add a "by the way" to "which" when I explain it.

The pen, which has blue ink by the way, is expensive. (all the pens may or may not be expensive. the pen with blue ink just happens to be expensive and that's all I know)

The pen that has blue ink is expensive. (Only the pen with blue ink is expensive)


edit:: I'll add that in actual usage, both 'that' and 'which' are often used interchangeably with no difference in meaning. There are just certain situations, such as the examples I outlined above, where you'd want to select 'that' or 'which' to express restriction.

[MrMr]

Just a guess: "That or which" can be used alternately to introduce an adjective clause describing a place or thing. eg, On Thanksgiving there is so much food that/which is leftover. In your sentence "that we have leftovers" is a noun clause that answers the question 'WHAT"? There is so much food (what?) that we have left overs. I think only "that" can introduce a noun clause.

Not a great explaination maybe. I'm combing the memory banks for knowledge that i never mastered in the first place".

[The Cosmic Hum]

[jizza]

good explanation cosmic. I'm not sure if my post is really wrong though. Seems like we're saying the same thing.

ah ,I have a question for you. you seem to know your stuff.

i posted this in another thread but i'll hijack this one as I think the OP's question was sufficiently answered.


Can the "Such a ... that ... " construction accept an extra adverb? ie. "Such a really hot day that... "

[The Cosmic Hum]