that which

USAGE SUMMARY

"that which" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when introducing a clause that provides further information about a subject. For example: "He is a man of honor, that which I admire most about him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Worse than that which existed in South Africa".

The New York Times

Tattvartha Sutra: That Which Is.

Yale University

To that which was first charged, or to that which was first committed?

Cornell University

She [Sarah] blasted that, which was good.

The Guardian - Film

"It's things like that which undermine Michelin".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That Which Does Not Kill You.

Science Magazine

That which was special becomes that which is routine.

Forbes

That which is common unites.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Notice that, which implies (2.29).

Boundary Value Problems

That which is scheduled gets done.

Forbes

It follows that, which further implies that.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally using "that which" instead of simpler alternatives like "what" or "that" to enhance readability and stylistic flair.

Common error

Avoid using "that which" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Overusing this phrase can make your language sound stilted or pretentious. Simpler alternatives are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that which" functions as a relative pronoun, introducing a relative clause that modifies a noun or pronoun in the main clause. Ludwig AI indicates this construction is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that which" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as a relative pronoun, introducing a clause to provide further information about a preceding noun. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. While it can add a formal tone to writing, overuse in informal contexts should be avoided. Alternatives like "what" or "that" may be more appropriate in casual settings. Common in News & Media, Science, and Academia, "that which" can be a valuable tool for precise and nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what

Uses a single word to replace the entire phrase, simplifying the sentence structure.

that

A more concise way to refer to something previously mentioned or understood.

the thing that

More explicit and less formal than "that which".

the one that

Emphasizes a specific item or individual among others.

what is

Highlights the state or condition of something.

that what

Less common and slightly redundant, but still conveys the same meaning.

anything that

Broadens the scope to include any item or action fitting the description.

everything that

Encompasses all items or actions fitting the description.

the item which

More formal and specific, often used in technical or legal contexts.

the aspect that

Focuses on a particular feature or characteristic.

FAQs

How can I use "that which" in a sentence?

Use "that which" to introduce a clause that provides further information or clarification about something previously mentioned. For instance, "He valued integrity, "that which" guided his decisions."

What phrases are similar to "that which"?

Similar phrases include "what", "that", and "the thing that". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and clarity.

Is it always appropriate to use "that which" in writing?

While grammatically correct, "that which" is more formal. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "what" or "that" are often preferred for a more natural tone.

What's the difference between "that which" and "what"?

"That which" and "what" can often be used interchangeably, but "that which" carries a more formal tone. "What" is generally more common in everyday language.