A1 1K

Which

UK /["/wɪtʃ/"]/ US /["/wɪtʃ/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

used in questions to ask somebody to be exact about one or more people or things from a limited number

Listen to definition

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.