Re: Comma before and after "which"?

Martin Ambuhl wrote:

> Look up 'that' vs. 'which' in a traditional style manual. You will see
> that your usage, although fairly common, is not traditional. I'll leave
> questions of right and wrong to your own judg[e]ment.

Use of "that" is most certainly not traditional and is, most often, vulgar.

There are many forbidden words, or should be forbidden words,
within English language usage.

Examples are "the," "that," "there," and classic "it."

Usage of "that" will frequently lead to incorrect grammar.

"That is my sister." (incorrect)

"She is my sister." (correct)

"The one wearing cowgirl boots is my sister." (acceptable but vulgar)

"She, who is wearing a yellow string bikini, is my sister." (better)

"See the gal with a big *** wearing bozo shoes? She is my sister." (best)

*

Returning to the original author's sentence, using "upon" rather than "on,"

"We can see two curves which, upon close inspection, are almost identical."

"We can see two curves that, upon close inspection, are almost indentical."

My second construct is both awkward and incorrect.

Use of "which" signals a choice; identical or not identical upon testing.

Use of "that" signals an end result of an action, and signals a singularity.
"...two curves...." are tested and are plural, not acted upon and singular.


"Which cat is fat?"

"That cat is fat."

"Which" signals plural testing. "That" signals a singular test result.

However, use of "that cat" is very awkward and a display of lazy tongue;
you cannot determine which cat unless a speaker physically motions
to a specific cat; a finger point, an eye point or similar.

"Which cat is fat?"

"That gray tabby with a crooked tail is fat."

*

"Which cat is fat?"

"It is over there."

Ok, which is "it" and "there" is where?

Avoid lazy words like "the," "that," "there," and classic "it."


Purl Gurl
.