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which

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determiner, pronoun British English pronunciation: which /wɪtʃ/
Which can be used in the following ways:
as a determiner (followed by a noun): Which colour do you like best?
as a pronoun (without a following noun): Choose any card – it doesn't matter which. (introducing a question): Which is the hottest month of the year? (followed by 'of'): Which of you is responsible for this department? (introducing a relative clause): My car, which I have owned for five years, is a Ford.
 
Other entries for this word
  1. 1
    used for asking for a specific choice from a limited number of possibilities

    Which would you like, tea or coffee?

    Which way did they go?

    which of:

    Which of the secretaries did you talk to?

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of which
    1. a.
      used when someone knows, says, is not certain about etc the specific choice between two or more possibilities

      They're all so pretty – I don't know which one to choose.

      It was either whisky or vodka – I forget which.

      Did he say which hotel he was staying at?

      I don't know which is worse – spending Christmas alone or watching my friends get drunk.

  2. 2
    used for introducing information that shows what specific thing or type of thing you are talking about. You can also use 'that' to introduce this type of relative clause, and this is more usual

    I've been thinking about those questions which you asked me last week.

    It's a story which every child will enjoy.

    the air crash in which Hammarskjöld died

  3. 3
    used for adding information or a comment about a particular thing or fact when it is already clear what that thing or fact is

    Bogart starred in the film Casablanca, which was made in 1942.

    A skilled workforce is essential, which is why our training programme is so important.

    The search will not begin until dawn, by which time it will probably be too late.

    in which case (=if this happens):

    Of course it may rain, in which case we shall have to hold the ceremony indoors.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of which

phrase

This is the British English definition of which. View American English definition of which.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

 

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