What The Difference Between And

Delving Deep: Understanding the Difference Between "What" and "That"

This article explores the nuanced differences between the words "what" and "that," two seemingly simple words that often cause confusion, even for advanced English speakers. We'll unravel their distinct grammatical roles, delve into their usage in various contexts, and clarify when to use one over the other. Mastering this distinction will significantly enhance your writing clarity and precision. This comprehensive guide will cover everything from their basic definitions to their more subtle applications, providing ample examples to solidify your understanding.

Introduction: The Seemingly Simple Distinction

At first glance, "what" and "that" might appear interchangeable. Both are pronouns and relative pronouns, capable of introducing clauses. However, their functions differ significantly. "What" typically introduces a noun clause functioning as a subject, object, or complement, often implying an unknown element. "That," on the other hand, introduces restrictive clauses that are essential to the meaning of the sentence, providing defining information. Understanding this fundamental difference is key to using these words correctly.

Part 1: Grammatical Roles and Functions

Let's dissect the grammatical roles of "what" and "that" to establish a solid foundation:

1.1 "What" as an Interrogative Pronoun:

This is perhaps the most common usage of "what." It initiates questions seeking information about something unknown:

• What is your name?
• What time is it?
• What did you do yesterday?

Here, "what" serves as the subject or object of the question, depending on the sentence structure.

1.2 "What" as a Relative Pronoun Introducing Noun Clauses:

This function is crucial in distinguishing "what" from "that." "What" introduces noun clauses that function as subjects, objects, or complements, often implying a selection or unspecified element:

• I will do what is necessary. (Subject)
• He ate what was left. (Object)
• This is what I need. (Complement)

Notice that "what" implicitly contains both a noun and a pronoun. It stands in for a noun phrase ("the thing," "the things," etc.), while also acting as the relative pronoun connecting the clause to the main sentence.

1.3 "That" as a Relative Pronoun:

"That" introduces restrictive relative clauses. These clauses are essential to the meaning of the sentence, providing identifying information about a noun:

• The book that I borrowed is overdue. (Restrictive clause identifying which book)
• The car that he bought is a hybrid. (Restrictive clause defining which car)

Part 2: Usage in Different Contexts

Let's examine specific contexts where the choice between "what" and "that" is critical:

2.1 Defining vs. Non-Defining Clauses:

A key difference lies in the types of clauses they introduce. "That" introduces restrictive or defining clauses. These clauses are essential for understanding which specific noun is being referred to. Removing a restrictive clause changes the sentence's meaning.

In contrast, "what" often introduces a clause that doesn't strictly define the preceding noun but rather describes an unspecified element or action. While it's grammatically correct to omit them, doing so often alters the meaning or makes it less concise.

• Example: "The books that were on the table are now on the floor." (Restrictive: specifies which books) vs. "What was on the table is now on the floor" (Non-restrictive: less specific about the things).

2.2 Emphasis and Implication:

"What" often carries a stronger implication of unknown quantities, choices, or unexpected elements. "That" is more straightforward and descriptive.

• Example: "I didn't expect what I found." (Emphasis on the unexpected nature of the discovery) vs. "I didn't expect that I would find it." (Simple statement of an unexpected outcome)

2.3 Formal vs. Informal Usage:

While both are widely used, "that" is often preferred in more formal writing. "What" can sometimes sound more colloquial, especially in certain constructions.

• Example: Formal: "The argument that he presented was flawed." vs. Informal: "The argument he presented was what flawed the entire case."

Part 3: Advanced Considerations and Exceptions

3.1 Omission of "That":

In restrictive clauses, "that" can often be omitted without affecting the grammatical correctness, especially in informal writing. This is not true for "what."

• Example: The book I borrowed is overdue. (Grammatically correct omission of "that")

3.2 "What" with Prepositions:

While "that" generally cannot directly follow a preposition, "what" often can, particularly when introducing a noun clause.

• Example: This is what I'm referring to.

3.3 "What" in Exclamatory Sentences:

"What" can introduce exclamatory sentences expressing surprise or amazement:

• What a beautiful day!
• What a mess!

Part 4: Examples Illustrating the Differences

To further clarify the distinction, let's compare sentences using "what" and "that":

• Correct: He said what he thought. (Noun clause as object)

• Incorrect: He said that he thought. (Requires an object for "thought")

• Correct: The car that is parked outside is mine. (Restrictive clause specifying a car)

• Incorrect: The car what is parked outside is mine. (Grammatically incorrect usage)

• Correct: I know what you mean. (Noun clause as object)

• Correct: I know that you mean it. (Clause defining the meaning). Note the subtle difference in meaning here.

Part 5: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can "what" ever be used to introduce a restrictive clause?

A: While less common, "what" can sometimes function in a restrictive way, particularly when referring to a selection or unspecified thing. However, "that" remains the more standard choice for introducing restrictive clauses.

Q: Is there a situation where "what" and "that" are completely interchangeable?

A: Rarely. There are instances where substituting one for the other might not produce a grammatically incorrect sentence, but the meaning and tone would likely change, sometimes drastically. Accuracy is generally better served by choosing the most appropriate word for the specific context.

Q: How can I improve my understanding and usage of "what" and "that"?

A: Practice! Carefully examine the clauses introduced by these words in your reading. Try rewriting sentences, substituting one for the other and noting the changes in meaning. Pay close attention to whether the clause is restrictive or non-restrictive.

Conclusion: Mastering the Nuances of "What" and "That"

While seemingly minor, the distinction between "what" and "that" is fundamental to mastering English grammar. Understanding their grammatical roles, their usage in different contexts, and the subtle implications they carry will greatly enhance your writing precision and clarity. Through consistent practice and attentive reading, you can confidently navigate the nuances of these words and communicate your ideas with greater accuracy and sophistication. By recognizing the distinct functionalities of these words and the impact they can have on a sentence’s meaning, you'll be able to write with greater nuance and precision, conveying your message with far greater clarity and sophistication. The effort to master this distinction will be rewarded with significantly improved writing skills.