Which word after everything, all, only and the best? Use that
Short answer: After everything, all, anything, nothing, only and superlatives such as the best or the biggest, use that to add information: All that she wanted was water. It is the best film that I have seen. That is the standard choice here; do not use who, and which is much less usual.
🎯 I know when only that is possible.
At a glance
| After | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| everything, all, anything, nothing | that | He ate everything that was on the plate. |
| only | that | This is the only thing that I forgot. |
| the best, the biggest, the tallest | that | It is the tallest tree that I know. |
How to write it
- Find the small word before the information: everything, all, nothing, only or a superlative.
- Add that and the extra information.
- Do not repeat the noun after that.
- In everyday writing you can leave that out when it is the object: everything I need.
Rewrite practice
- Before:
Everything which I need is here.
After: Everything that I need is here.
that after everything. - Before:
This is the best film which I have seen.
After: This is the best film that I have seen.
that after a superlative. - Before:
All who she wanted was water.
After: All that she wanted was water.
that after all.
Common mistakes
Nothing what he said was true.→ Nothing that he said was true.
Use that, not what.It is the only thing which I want.→ It is the only thing that I want.
After the only, use that.Everything that I need it is here.→ Everything that I need is here.
Do not repeat the noun.
That, which and who
That is the safest choice after these words.
| Situation | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| after everything, all, nothing, only | that | all that I need |
| a person | who | the man who called |
| extra information | which / who | My bike, which is red, is old. |
Check yourself
- Fill the gap: “This is the best film ___ I have seen.”
Show the answer
that After the best.
- Fill the gap: “Everything ___ I need is here.”
Show the answer
that After everything.
- Fix: “All who she wanted was water.”
Show the answer
All that she wanted was water. After all.
Rule cards that help
- Only that: everything, all, the best: After everything, all, anything, nothing, only and after the best / the biggest use that, never which or who.
Questions
Can I leave out that?
Yes, when that is the object: everything I need. Keep it when it is the subject.
Is which always wrong here?
It is rare and sounds formal. Use that and you will be safe.
Where is the rule?
See the rule article on that after everything, all and the best.
Part of 🌉 Because, when, if, who and more (stone 2 of the Learning Path). See also the English writing guide. Đọc bằng tiếng Việt.
Written for English learners by the English for Fun team. How we write our lessons · Last updated 2026-11-05.
Reviewed by Chinh Q. Hoang, PhD, founder, English for Fun · 2026-10-30