Cool MateA11K
Which
UK /["/wɪtʃ/"]/US /["/wɪtʃ/"]/
Definition
used in questions to ask somebody to be exact about one or more people or things from a limited number
In simple words: used to ask about one or more items from a group
Examples
- Which is better exercise—swimming or tennis?
- Which way is the wind blowing?
- Houses which overlook the lake cost more.
- It was a crisis for which she was totally unprepared.
- His best movie, which won several awards, was about the life of Gandhi.
- Your claim ought to succeed, **in which case** the damages will be substantial.
- The twins are so alike I can't tell which is which.
Usage notes
Use 'which' when asking to specify one item from a defined set. Avoid using 'which' with totally open-ended questions where anything could apply.
Grammar pattern
which + noun
Memory hint
Think of 'which' as 'which one', like picking a favorite toy from a box.
Collocations
- which one
- which books
- which option
Synonyms
- what
- which one
- such
- whichever
Antonyms
- that
- who
- what
Common mistakes
- 'Which' vs. 'what' confusion - 'which' is for limited choices.
- Omitting 'which' in questions – e.g., 'What book do you want?' instead of 'Which book?'
- Using 'which' with plural nouns without context – 'Which animals?' needs clarification.