defining clause with 'which'

[Liza]

Hi,

I've always thought that in any kind of defining clause when I speak about an object, I can use 'which' without any restrictions. However, in an online exercise I've found that the following sentences are incorrect:

The letter which you sent me last week was very nice. *
The car which I fancy most is a VW. *

Could you tell me why they are wrong? And how can they be OK? Just with 'that' or with an omission of the pronoun? But why isn't 'which' correct..???

Thanks
L.

[Yankee]

Hi Liza

In American English, a common usage of the relative pronoun 'which' is to introduce a nondefining (nonrestrictive) clause, and I believe that many grammarians will also go so far as to state that 'which' is incorrectly used in defining clauses such as yours. Take a look at the usage note here:
http://www.bartleby.com/61/35/T0143500.html

So, yes, either the use of 'that' or the omission of the relative pronoun would be the best solution for your sentences in AmE.

The use of the word 'which' in your sentences sounds quite awkward to my American ear. However, 'which' might not sound awkward to a Brit -- but you'll have to wait for a Brit to comment on that.

PS
The use of the word 'fancy' in your second sentence also strikes me as being more British than American.
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Amy
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ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English