Words Which Matter

My friend and former co-worker Ana has had a lasting impact on my life.  She has imparted to me a heightened awareness of one the more egregious transgressions in writing, the overuse of the word "that."  As in, "of all the things I've done THAT I've regretted...," or "it doesn't take a genious to see THAT the president-elect...."  A close cousin of the nefarious "that" is the even more horrific word "which."  "Of all the things which we could have done...," or, "A high school football program which has not made the playoffs..." are examples of the evil "which."  "That" is preferred over "which," and even then "that" must be controlled, like mice.  This I learned from Ana as I watched her, again and again, slash and maim any stray "that" or "which" unlucky enough to be within reach of her lethal red pen.

So it was inevitable Ana would cross my mind today as I came across an article entitled, "Back to Which-Hunting," by James J. Kilpatrick.  I love his stuff, very clever.  Here is his post to which I refer: Back to Which-Hunting.  In case you don't want to read it, here is an excerpt:

Let us turn to that brilliant lexicographer, Bryan Garner, in his "Modern American Usage." He begins his entry on "which" with characteristic restraint:

"This word, used immoderately, is possibly responsible for more bad sentences than any other in the language."

My own advice to writers is not so restrained: When you feel an urge to use a "which," lie down until the spasm goes away.

I'll never be a great writer, but it's good to hear from the authorities now and then.