trip to Africa

[Offroad]

Dear teachers...

Could you help me understand the difference, if any, between 'that' and 'which' in this sentence?

I arrived from a trip to Africa, __that/which_ provided me with all kinds of fresh evidence of the importance of politics.

I believe both work there.

Thanks.

 

[5jj]

The comma makes this a non-defining relative clause, in which only which is possible.

Without a comma, it becomes a non-defining clause, in which which can be, and often is, replaced by that with no change in meaning.

That can also replace who in defining relative clauses.

I had tea with the friend who/that worked with me in china.
I had tea with my friend, who[STRIKE] that[/STRIKE] worked with me in China.

 

[bhaisahab]

Dear teachers...

Could you help me understand the difference, if any, between 'that' and 'which' in this sentence?

I arrived from a trip to Africa, __that/which_ provided me with all kinds of fresh evidence of the importance of politics.

I believe both work there.

Thanks.

I think you can use either, but I would use the past perfect there "had provided".

 

[bhaisahab]

Oops I didn't notice the comma.

 

[Offroad]

I think you can use either, but I would use the past perfect there "had provided".

I am not sure I follow:

I arrived from a trip to Africa that/which had provided me with all kinds of fresh evidence of the importance of politics.
I arrived from a trip to Africa that/which provided me with all kinds of fresh evidence of the importance of politics.

Thanks

 

[5jj]

1. I arrived from a trip to Africa that/which had provided me with all kinds of fresh evidence of the importance of politics.
2. I arrived from a trip to Africa that/which provided me with all kinds of fresh evidence of the importance of politics.

Bhaisahab would use a past perfect, as in #1, which makes it crystal clear that the trip providing fresh evidence took place before the arrival.

I think the context makes it clear, and that the past simple in #2 is sufficient.

I am still reasonably happy with my opinion, but if I now had to choose between the two versions, I would probably go for bhaisa's.