'THAT WHICH" used together
I knew that which, that and some other similar words are used as relative pronouns. However, when I read some pieces of reading, I realize that "that" and "which" can come together. For instance: "Clandestine applies to that which is done secretly to conceal an evil, illicit purpose". Can anyone plz explain to me about this structure??
Search from various English teachers...
Comments · 3
2
“that which” used to be used in the same way as “what”.<o:p></o:p>
“that which” is very unusual in modern English.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Examples:
- We have that which we need. (in modern English: We have what we need.)<o:p></o:p>
- I can’t recall that which I was told. (I can’t recall what I was told)<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
- What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.<o:p></o:p>
- That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
- Clandestine applies to that which is done secretly to conceal an evil, illicit purpose.<o:p></o:p>
- Clandestine applies to what is done secretly to conceal an evil, illicit purpose.<o:p></o:p>
2
Hi, good question.
It’s a sentence with a main clause and a type of defining / restrictive relative clause.
Main clause: “Clandestine applies to that”
Relative clause (not a full sentence): “which is done secretly to conceal an evil”
Compare: “My friend has a vehicle which burns gasoline.”
“Vehicle” is the object of the main clause. “Which” is the subject of a relative clause that serves to define the “vehicle” in the main clause.
Your example has the same structure, except that the object of the main clause is a pronoun “that.” In less formal usage, we usually say "Clandestine applies to *what* is done secretly to conceal an evil, illicit purpose.”
1
I thought "that" here refers to an aforementioned "the xxx", and "which" here induces an attributive clause.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!
Start Learning Today
