what are the rules for deciding whether to use what or which in a question
2006-09-16 22:13:27 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
What is when you can't name something but can describe it, and which is for choosing among known items.
2006-09-16 22:15:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
"What" is to be used when the questioner cannot identify the possible solution. For example...
"What is the best shampoo to use on my hair?"
"Which" is used when the questioner knows the possible solutions, but doesn't know the correct choice. For example..
"Which political party should I support, the Democrats or the Republicans?"
2006-09-16 22:19:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"What" is usually used when you are asking a question of which
you have no knowledge. Such as "what are you doing here?" "What on earth is that?" An exception is when you are presented with choices & asked "what do you think?"
"Which", when a question, is usually associated with choice. e.g. "which of the two do you prefer?".
2006-09-16 23:32:26 · answer #3 · answered by cloud43 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋