Page:The king's English (IA kingsenglish00fowlrich).pdf/96

82 sciences that' do not interest the writer, the comma after 'sciences' should be removed.

2. 'Who' or 'which' should not be used in defining clauses except when custom, euphony, or convenience is decidedly against the use of 'that'. The principal exceptions will be noted below; but we shall first give instances in which 'that' is rightly used, and others in which it might have been used with advantage.

In those highly impressionable years that lie between six and ten...—Spectator.

The obstacles that hedge in children from Nature...—Spectator.

The whole producing an effect that is not without a certain poetry.—Times.

He will do anything that he deems convenient.—.

The well-staffed and well-equipped 'High Schools' that are now at work...had not yet sprung into being.—Times.

Then, Sir, you keep up revenue laws which are mischievous, in order to preserve trade laws that are useless.—.

'That' should have been used in both clauses.

The struggle that lay before him.—J. R..

There goes another sort of animal that is differentiating from my species...— H. G..

There are other powers, too, that could perform this grateful but onerous duty.—Times.

In the following examples, 'that' is to be preferred to 'which'; especially with antecedent 'it', and after a superlative or other word of exclusive or comprehensive meaning, such as 'all', 'only', 'any'.

The opportunities which London has given them.—Times.

The principles which underlay the agreement.—Times.

One cause which surely contributes to this effect has its root in early childhood.—Spectator.

A meeting which was held yesterday, which consisted in the main of a bitter personal attack.—.

'Which consisted' is right: but we should have 'that was held'; the clause defines.

The first thing which the person who desires to be amiable must determine to do is...–Spectator.