This one is quite difficult to explain. I don't know the rule, but this is how I do it:
If the information after the which/that is essential information, then use "that".
Example with "that"
Where is the chocolate?
What chocolate are you talking about?
The chocolate that I put on my desk this morning.
Note that there is no comma before "that".
If the information after the which/that is not essential information, then use "which". A good way to check this is whether you can put the information in brackets.
Example with "which"
I'm putting this chocolate, which I bought while I was on holiday, on the table so everyone can help themselves.
I'm putting this chocolate (which I bought while I was on holiday) on the table so everyone can help themselves.
Note that there is always a comma before "which" .
Incorrect
Some people think "which" just sounds better that "that" and there is no difference. They are wrong. It sound bad if you use which where you mean that.
If the information after the which/that is essential information, then use "that".
Example with "that"
Where is the chocolate?
What chocolate are you talking about?
The chocolate that I put on my desk this morning.
Note that there is no comma before "that".
If the information after the which/that is not essential information, then use "which". A good way to check this is whether you can put the information in brackets.
Example with "which"
I'm putting this chocolate, which I bought while I was on holiday, on the table so everyone can help themselves.
I'm putting this chocolate (which I bought while I was on holiday) on the table so everyone can help themselves.
Note that there is always a comma before "which" .
Incorrect
Some people think "which" just sounds better that "that" and there is no difference. They are wrong. It sound bad if you use which where you mean that.
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