Welcome to the world of grammar and word usage! Have you ever found yourself confused between two similar words, wondering which one to use? If you’re struggling with the difference between “what” and “which,” you’re not alone. In this article, we will explore the nuances of these two words and help you understand when to use each one correctly.
First off, let’s answer the burning question: which of these two words is the proper one to use? Well, the answer is that it depends on the context. In some cases, “what” is the correct choice, while in others, “which” is more appropriate. So, what exactly do these words mean?
When we use “what,” we are referring to a thing or an idea without any specific limitations or options. It is a general term that can apply to anything. On the other hand, “which” is used when we are referring to a specific thing or idea from a limited set of options. It is a more specific term that requires a choice to be made.
Now that we have a better understanding of what each word means, let’s dive deeper into their usage and explore some examples. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid grasp on when to use “what” and when to use “which,” and you’ll be able to communicate your ideas with more clarity and precision.
Define What
What is a pronoun that is used to ask about something that is unknown or unspecified. It is often used to introduce a clause or phrase that provides more information about a specific object or idea.
For example, “What is your favorite color?” or “What time is it?”
What can also be used as a determiner, indicating that something is required or necessary. For example, “What you need is a good night’s sleep.”
Define Wich
Wich is a less common variant of the word “which”. It is typically used in archaic or dialectal contexts, and is not commonly used in modern English.
When used, wich is a pronoun that is used to introduce a clause or phrase that provides additional information about a specific object or idea. For example, “The book, wich I found at the library, was very interesting.”
It is important to note that while wich is a valid spelling of which, it is not commonly used in modern English and may be considered outdated or archaic.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right words in a sentence is crucial in conveying the intended message and avoiding confusion. Two commonly confused words are “what” and “which.” While they may seem interchangeable, their usage varies depending on the context. This article will provide a guide on how to use these words correctly in a sentence.
How To Use “What” In A Sentence
“What” is a pronoun that is used to ask questions, indicate something, or refer to something. It is also used to introduce indirect questions. Here are some examples of how to use “what” in a sentence:
- What is your name?
- I don’t know what you mean.
- What time is it?
- She asked what the problem was.
As shown in the examples, “what” is used to ask questions, indicate something, or introduce indirect questions. It is important to note that “what” is used when the options are not limited or when the speaker is not sure of the options available.
How To Use “Which” In A Sentence
“Which” is a pronoun that is used to indicate a choice between two or more options. It is also used to refer to a specific thing or person. Here are some examples of how to use “which” in a sentence:
- Which color do you prefer, red or blue?
- She asked me which book I wanted to read.
- Which one is your car?
- The doctor asked which symptoms I was experiencing.
As shown in the examples, “which” is used when the options are limited or when the speaker is sure of the options available. It is important to note that “which” is used to refer to a specific thing or person.
More Examples Of What & Wich Used In Sentences
In order to further clarify the difference between “what” and “wich,” here are some additional examples of how each word can be used in a sentence.
Examples Of Using “What” In A Sentence
- What did you have for breakfast this morning?
- I can’t remember what I was going to say.
- What time does the movie start?
- What is your favorite color?
- What are you doing this weekend?
- What do you want to be when you grow up?
- What is the capital of France?
- What do you think of this new restaurant?
- What kind of music do you like?
- What is the meaning of life?
Examples Of Using “Wich” In A Sentence
- She couldn’t decide which dress to wear to the party.
- Do you know which way to turn?
- He asked me which book I wanted to read first.
- Can you tell me which train goes to Grand Central Station?
- Which one of these paintings do you like the most?
- She asked me which flavor of ice cream I wanted.
- Which team do you think will win the championship?
- He couldn’t remember which street the restaurant was on.
- Can you tell me which key opens this door?
- Which movie did you see last night?
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “what” and “which,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, this can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Which” When Referring To A General Idea Or Concept
One common mistake is using “which” when referring to a general idea or concept. For example, saying “which is the meaning of life?” instead of “what is the meaning of life?” While “which” can be used to refer to a specific selection from a group, it is not appropriate for general questions or ideas.
Using “What” When Referring To A Specific Selection From A Group
Conversely, another common mistake is using “what” when referring to a specific selection from a group. For example, saying “what of these two options do you prefer?” instead of “which of these two options do you prefer?” While “what” can be used to refer to general questions or ideas, it is not appropriate for specific selections from a group.
Not Considering Context
Another mistake is not considering the context in which the words are being used. Depending on the sentence structure and intended meaning, one word may be more appropriate than the other. It’s important to consider the context and choose the correct word accordingly.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
- Pay attention to the specific selection or general idea being referred to and use “which” or “what” accordingly.
- Consider the context in which the words are being used and choose the appropriate word.
- Read over your sentences carefully to ensure that you have used the correct word.
Context Matters
Choosing between “what” and “which” can depend on the context in which they are used. Both words are used to ask questions, but they are not always interchangeable. The choice between them depends on the specific information that is being sought.
Examples Of Different Contexts And How The Choice Between What And Wich Might Change:
- Asking for general information: When asking for general information, either “what” or “which” can be used. For example, “What/Which is your favorite color?”
- Asking for a specific choice: When asking for a specific choice among a limited number of options, “which” is usually the better choice. For example, “Which of these two books would you recommend?”
- Asking for a definition: When asking for a definition, “what” is the better choice. For example, “What is the definition of ‘surreptitious’?”
- Asking for a reason: When asking for a reason, “why” is usually the better choice. For example, “Why did you choose that book?”
- Asking for a quantity: When asking for a quantity, “how much” or “how many” are the better choices. For example, “How much/many sugar do you need for the recipe?”
In summary, the choice between “what” and “which” depends on the context in which they are used. Understanding the specific information being sought can help determine which word to use to ask the most effective question.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “what” and “which” are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind.
1. “What” Used In Place Of “Which”
One exception is when “what” is used in place of “which” to introduce a nonrestrictive clause. This usage is more common in spoken English and is not considered standard in formal writing. For example:
- What book are you reading? (nonrestrictive)
- The book, which is on the table, is mine. (restrictive)
In the first sentence, “what” introduces a nonrestrictive clause that provides additional information about the book the person is reading. In the second sentence, “which” introduces a restrictive clause that identifies which book is being referred to.
2. “Which” Used In Place Of “What”
Another exception is when “which” is used in place of “what” to introduce a question that implies a limited set of choices. For example:
- Which of these books do you want to read? (limited set of choices)
- What do you want to read? (open-ended question)
In the first sentence, “which” implies that the person has a limited set of choices to choose from, whereas in the second sentence, “what” is an open-ended question that could refer to any book.
3. “What” Used In Indirect Questions
Finally, “what” is also used in indirect questions to ask for information or clarification. In this case, “what” is not interchangeable with “which”. For example:
- Can you tell me what time it is? (indirect question)
- Which time is it? (incorrect usage)
In the first sentence, “what” introduces an indirect question that asks for information about the time. In the second sentence, “which” is incorrect because it implies a limited set of choices, whereas the person is simply asking for the time.
Practice Exercises
Improving your understanding and usage of what and which in sentences requires practice. Here are some exercises to help you:
Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Word
| Sentence | Correct word |
|---|---|
| _____ book did you read last night? | which |
| I don’t know _____ to choose. | which |
| _____ is your favorite color? | what |
| _____ did you eat for breakfast? | what |
Answer key:
- Which
- Which
- What
- What
Exercise 2: Fill In The Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct word.
- _____ did you say?
- _____ of these books do you want to read?
- _____ is the capital of France?
- _____ color do you like?
Answer key:
- What
- Which
- What
- Which
These exercises should help you improve your understanding and usage of what and which in sentences. With practice, you’ll be able to use these words correctly and confidently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between “what” and “which” is crucial for effective communication. “What” is used when the options are unlimited, while “which” is used when the options are limited. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the intended message.
It is important to note that while “what” and “which” are commonly used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately. By paying attention to the context of a sentence, one can determine whether to use “what” or “which”.
If you want to improve your grammar and language use, there are many resources available. Online courses, books, and workshops can help you expand your knowledge and skills. Additionally, practicing writing and speaking regularly can help you become more comfortable with using grammar correctly.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.