The X-Files was a popular television series

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BTGmoderatorDC: Moderator; Posts: 7187; Joined: Thu Sep 07, 2017 4:43 pmFollowed by: 23 members

by BTGmoderatorDC » Wed Oct 04, 2017 4:50 am

The X-Files was a popular television series which explored the popular theory of a government plot to cover up anything pertaining to the existence of extraterrestrial life.
a) which explored the popular theory of a government plot to cover up
b) that explores the theoretical plot of popular cover up of
c) which explored the popular plot of the government that should hide
d) who explored the plot theory of the government’s attempt to hide
e) which theoretically explored the popular government cover up for

Leaving other grammatical mistakes aside, What is the correct form 'which' or 'that'. Please explain.

OA A

Source: Beat The GMAT — Sentence Correction | Wed Oct 04, 2017 4:50 am

Vincen: Legendary Member; Posts: 2898; Joined: Thu Sep 07, 2017 2:49 pmFollowed by: 5 members; Thanked: 6 times

by Vincen » Sun Oct 08, 2017 10:50 am

Why C is not correct? It is almost the same as A.

EconomistGMATTutor: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 555; Joined: Wed Oct 04, 2017 4:18 pmFollowed by: 12 members; Thanked: 180 times

by EconomistGMATTutor » Wed Oct 11, 2017 12:42 pm

Hello!
Deciding on whether to use "which" or "that" has to do with whether or not the information after it is essential.
If the meaning of the sentence changes by taking the phrase out, use "that."
Example:
The boy that wore a red hat broke his arm.
The boy broke his arm.
(If we take out "that wore a red hat," the sentence could now refer to any boy...not just the one in the red hat.)

If the meaning of the sentence won't change if you take the clause out, then use "which."
Example:
Vogue magazine, which has 2 million subscribers every month, includes advertisements from a variety of brands.
Vogue magazine includes advertisements from a variety of brands. (This statement is still true. The "which" clause is unimportant added information.)

I hope that helps. I'm available if you'd like any follow up.

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