If that works, use it!

It's probably not apparent, but I spend a lot of time pondering various wording when I write. There are lots of sticky wickets: subject/verb agreement, who versus whom, and dangling participles. Sometimes I actually delete whole brilliant thoughts because I can't turn them into even mediocre sentences. But at least I'm not as bad as this guy.

Another tricky grammar conundrum is that or which. If you look it up, you get all kinds of technical blather about the restrictive clause which that is of no use to me at all. That is all fine and good, and very interesting if there is something seriously wrong with you, I'm entirely sure. As for me, I use a simple rule I learned a long time ago. Well, maybe it's not really a RULE; it's more like a SUGGESTION. Which That Which I like a lot better, because I hate words bossing me around. And, what's really great about this suggestion is that it's useful in real life, too. In fact, it can solve all sorts of ungrammar-related problems. Are you ready? Here it is:

If 'that' works, use it. And here's some real life dilemmas it can resolve for you:

Q. Should I wash away my super crappy day with a bottle of wine?
A. If that works, use it!

Q. Is it okay to let my 6 year old have his pacifier to shut his gob?
A. If that works, use it!

See how handy that is? Try it yourself! Who knew grammar could be so helpful?