That's the way to do it | Mind your language | David Marsh, guardian.co.uk

Marsh's column clearly explains the difference in use between that and which. Some writing authorities don't think the distinction is important. But I disagree.

Using these words correctly is not difficult to do if you take the time, like right now, to consider their differences. And using them correctly can aid your readers, which should be your highest priority as a writer.

One memory tip that I would like to emphasize: Phrases and clauses that begin with which should be surrounded by commas. Those commas signify that the statement is parenthetical; it's not providing information that's essential to the point of your sentence. If the information is essential, you probably should use that instead of which to begin the statement.

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This article is featured in today's (June 8) Write Style: Editorial Choices, available at the Editorial Style tab at the top of this blog.