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Both can be correct since “which” and “that” are used in British speech and writing as relative pronouns or relative determiners that introduce subordinate clauses (e.g., in this case, “which/that never changes”).
However, in American speech and writing, “which” is reserved for introducing non-restrictive subordinate clauses, while “that” is reserved for introducing restrictive subordinate clauses.
Examples:
The non-restrictive clause could be omitted from the sentence without changing its meaning, while the restrictive clause cannot be omitted without changing the sentence’s meaning.
However, in American speech and writing, “which” is reserved for introducing non-restrictive subordinate clauses, while “that” is reserved for introducing restrictive subordinate clauses.
Examples:
- “It is something that never changes, although it is not required for the functioning of the machine.” (Restrictive)
- “It is something which, although it never changes, is not required for the functioning of the machine.” (Non-restrictive)
The non-restrictive clause could be omitted from the sentence without changing its meaning, while the restrictive clause cannot be omitted without changing the sentence’s meaning.
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