Can someone please clarify the word "which" and variation "in which"... when, where, and why they are used? I would like clarification not only the difference of the two but also the general rule when "which" comes into play.
Which is used when it you are using a non-essential modifier. A non-essential modifier is a modifier that is not vital to the meaning of the sentence. For example:
"John went to the red house, which was recently renovated, to campaign for the Senator."
In that sentence, the phrase "which was recently renovated" could be removed and the sentence would still make logical sense.
The thing with in which confused me as well. You have to realize that "in" is a preposition. So with the statement "in which" which is the obeject of the preposition. The key is to just make sure that whether you use "which" or "in which" that those phrases are next to the words they are meant to modify
"where" can only be used to modify an actual physical location. "when" can only be used to modify time. "That" and "which" can only modify things, and never people. "Who" and "whom" can only modify people. "Whose" can modify people or things. Hope this helps.
