Introduction
For many English speakers, grammar can be confusing and frustrating to understand. In particular, distinguishing between in which and which can often be challenging. Although they may seem similar and interchangeable, this is not the case. It is crucial to understand when to use these pronouns properly to avoid common grammar errors.
Grammar Mistakes to Avoid
It’s essential to identify when to use in which and which so that you don’t make common mistakes in your writing. One of the most common errors occurs when writers try to replace “that” with “which” or “in which.” Although “which” is a relative pronoun, “that” is not. “Which” introduces a non-restrictive clause that provides extra information, whereas “that” introduces a restrictive clause that defines a subject more precisely.
For example, consider the following sentences:
- The book that was written in 2020 won the award.
- The book, which was written in 2020, won the award.
- The book won the award, which was written in 2020.
The first sentence is an example of a restrictive clause; it narrows down the search for the book that won the award by adding a specific characteristic (being written in 2020). The other two sentences use “which” to add an active description of the book that won the award in non-restrictive clauses.
The Grammar Rule You Might be Getting Wrong
Understanding relative clauses is important in recognizing the difference between in which and which. An in which construction is used after a preposition, whereas a which clause is used after a comma.
For example:
- The school in which I was enrolled was outstanding. (Using in which after a preposition – “in”)
- The school, which I was enrolled in, was outstanding. (Using which after a comma – “which”)
The common confusion between these two pronouns arises when writers mistakenly choose in which instead of which when they need a non-restrictive clause or vice versa.
In Which vs. Which: Knowing the Right Pronoun to Use
So how can you be sure you are using the correct pronoun in a sentence? One strategy that can help is to ask yourself whether the clause is necessary or not.
For example:
- Original Sentence: The school, which was in the suburbs, was very big.
- New sentence: The school was very big.
The clause “which was in the suburbs” is non-restrictive, as it provides additional information but isn’t necessary to identify the school being referred to. By removing this clause, we are left with a sentence that still conveys the same information.
Another strategy to consider is the use of commas. If you can use commas to separate the clause from the rest of the sentence, then which is probably the correct choice. However, if the relative clause is necessary to identify the noun being referred to, then that or which should be used.
A Deep Dive into In Which Vs. Which: Examples and Best Practices
Consider these additional examples:
- Original Sentence: The store in which I bought the shoes was very clean.
- New Sentence: The store where I bought the shoes was very clean.
In this example, the preposition “in” is replaced by “where” as it is more natural to verbalize. A preposition is not always necessary, and avoiding the use of in which can make a sentence more fluent and natural.
The best practice for using in which and which is to have a clear understanding of the sentence’s structure and purpose. A restrictive clause requires that or which, while a non-restrictive clause requires a comma and which.
The Most Common Mistake in Written English: In Which Vs. Which
The most common mistake in written English is using in which instead of which. It can significantly impact the quality of your writing and how it is perceived. The reason behind this common error is the natural tendency to use in which after a preposition, leading to the misapplication of the phrase in sentences where which would be more appropriate.
To break this habit, it is essential to practice and improve your understanding of relative clauses. Continuously asking yourself whether it is a restrictive clause or a non-restrictive clause in your sentences can help you avoid making this common mistake.
How Knowing the Difference Between In Which and Which Can Improve Your Writing Skills
Good grammar is essential in writing as it portrays your understanding of the language and what you want to communicate to the reader. Proper use of in which and which improves the clarity of your writing, and readers can fully comprehend what you mean.
Understanding in which vs. which also elevates your writing by disposing of unnecessary or repetitive clauses and adjectives that make sentences wordy and more challenging to read. Writing more concisely and effectively can make your writing more engaging and enjoyable to read.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between in which vs. which is crucial to avoid common grammar mistakes in your writing. It is essential to apply the right pronoun in a sentence to create more concise, effective, and clear writing. By practicing and continually improving your grammar skills, you can become a more reliable and sophisticated writer.