368 - What vs. Which

Welcome to the informative page on NJCLT where we delve into the intriguing difference between 'what' and 'which' and guide you on how to use these words correctly. Understanding the nuances of these two words will greatly enhance your language skills and allow you to express yourself more accurately in various contexts. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the definitions, use cases, and examples of 'what' and 'which'.

Definition of 'What' and 'Which'

Let's start by defining 'what' and 'which' to establish a solid foundation. 'What' is an interrogative pronoun used to inquire about specific information or request a choice from a range of possibilities. On the other hand, 'which' is an interrogative pronoun or adjective that typically presents options within a limited set or set of choices.

Usage of 'What' and 'Which'

Now that we understand the basic definitions of 'what' and 'which,' let's explore their usage in different contexts.

1. Interrogative Sentences

In interrogative sentences, 'what' is generally used to ask about unknown information or facts. For example:

• What is your favorite color?
• What time is the meeting?
• What is the capital of France?

On the other hand, 'which' is employed when the speaker expects the respondent to choose among specific options. For instance:

• Which car should I buy, the red one or the blue one?
• Which movie do you prefer, the romantic comedy or the thriller?
• Which book should I read first, the fantasy novel or the historical drama?

2. Indirect Questions

When forming indirect questions, 'what' is preferred over 'which.' Consider the following examples:

• I wonder what her favorite dessert is?
• He asked me what time the train departs.
• We discussed what the best solution might be.

Using 'which' in indirect questions would sound unnatural:

• I wonder which is her favorite dessert?
• He asked me which time the train departs.
• We discussed which might be the best solution.

3. Defining and Non-Defining Clauses

When introducing a defining or non-defining clause, 'which' is preferred. For example:

• The car, which is blue, belongs to my friend.
• My sister, which recently graduated, got a job offer.
• The dress, which I bought last week, is too tight.

'What' is generally not used to introduce these kinds of clauses. However, there are exceptional cases where 'what' can be used in non-defining clauses with a certain meaning:

• Her brother wears glasses, what makes him look sophisticated.
• I often think about the time we spent together, what brings back happy memories.

Examples and Further Explanation

Let's dive deeper into more examples and scenarios to fully grasp the correct usage of 'what' and 'which'.

Example 1:

What is your favorite book?

In this case, 'what' is used to inquire about someone's favorite book without presenting any specific options.

Example 2:

Which book should I read?

'Which' is employed to ask for a suggestion regarding a book choice from either a known or limited set of options.

Example 3:

What do you want to eat for dinner?

In this sentence, 'what' is utilized to inquire about the person's preference among various dinner options.

Example 4:

Which restaurant should we go to?

'Which' is employed here to request a decision regarding a specific set of restaurants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'what' and 'which' are both valuable words in the English language that serve different purposes. By understanding their definitions and correctly implementing them in various contexts, you will greatly enhance your communication skills. Remember, 'what' is used to ask about specific information or request a choice from a range of possibilities, while 'which' presents options within a limited set or set of choices. Experiment with these pronouns and adjectives to refine your language proficiency and express yourself more effectively!