What is which? Pronunciation and usage in English

which means . Learn how to pronounce and use which through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of which

whichpronoun

/wɪtʃ/
Definition & pronunciation of which

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "which" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners!

The Standard Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • Sounds like: /wɪtʃ/ (pronounced like "witch")

    • "wi" sounds like the "wi" in "win."
    • "tʃ" is the same sound you hear in "church," "switch," or "catch." It's a voiceless "t" sound – your tongue touches the roof of your mouth without vibration.

Variations (Less Common, but You Might Hear):

  • Southern American English: Some people in the Southern US, particularly in states like Georgia or North Carolina, pronounce "which" closer to /hɪtʃ/ (pronounced like "hitch").

  • Scottish English: In Scotland, it's often pronounced /wɪtʃ/ but with a slightly more drawn-out "i" sound.

Tips for Getting It Right:

  1. Focus on the "tʃ" sound: This is the key. Really make that "ch" sound. Practice saying "church" repeatedly.

  2. Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it.

    • Foramen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYt47GqQeA0 (This is a great video explaining the pronunciation.)
    • Google Translate: Type "which" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation.

Resources to check out:

  • YouGlish: https://youglish.com/ – Type in “which” and it will play videos of native speakers saying it in context.

To help me tailor my explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from (roughly)? (This can help me identify any regional pronunciation differences you might be more familiar with.)

Usage and examples with the word which in English

Let's break down how to use the word "which" in English. It can be tricky because it often gets confused with "that." Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Core Function: Introducing Relative Clauses

The primary role of “which” is to introduce relative clauses. A relative clause provides extra information about a noun (a person, place, thing, or idea) in the main clause.

  • Structure: Main Clause + “which” + Relative Clause

  • Example: “The book which I borrowed from the library is overdue.”

    • “The book” is the noun being described.
    • “which I borrowed from the library” is the relative clause – it tells us which book.

2. When to Use "Which" vs. "That"

This is the biggest source of confusion. Here’s the rule:

  • Use "which" when referring to things that can be changed or replaced. Think of things that are not permanent or fixed.
  • Use "that" when referring to things that are permanent, unchangeable, or considered as a whole.

Let's look at examples:

Scenario "Which" vs. "That" Explanation
Changing a shirt “Which shirt should I wear?” You can easily choose a different shirt.
“That” shirt “I like that shirt.” It's a specific, fixed shirt.
A delicious cake “The cake which was served was delicious.” You could have had a different cake.
“That” cake “I loved that cake.” It’s a specific cake that’s been enjoyed.
A city “The city which I visited was beautiful.” You could visit other cities.
“That” city “I love that city.” It’s a particular city you cherish.
A book about history “The book which I’m reading is fascinating.” You could read other books.
“That” book “I enjoy that book.” It’s a specific book, a whole unit.

3. "Which" and Questions

  • Yes/No Questions: “Which color do you prefer?” (Answer: “Blue.”)
  • Wh- Questions (Who, What, Where, When, Why, How): “Which book did you borrow?” (Answer: “The red one.”)

4. "Which" with Lists

When you are presenting a list of items, you often use "which" to specify one or more of them.

  • Example: “I like apples, oranges, and grapes. The fruit which I ate was delicious.” (This specifies which fruit you ate). You could also say: "I like apples, oranges, and grapes. I ate the apples."

5. "Which" as a Tag Question

You can use “which” at the end of a statement to form a tag question.

  • Example: “This is my favorite car, which has excellent fuel efficiency.”

Key Takeaways:

  • Changeability: If you could easily change the item being described, use “which.”
  • Permanence: If the item is fixed and permanent, use “that.”
  • Clarity: Sometimes, “that” is perfectly acceptable and sounds more natural. Don’t be afraid to choose the option that reads best to you.

Resources for Practice:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Are there any specific sentences you’re struggling with?
  • What kind of context are you usually encountering “which” in (e.g., writing essays, conversations, etc.)?

Synonyms for the word which

Idioms of the word which

which is which
used to talk about recognizing the difference between one person or thing and another
  • The twins are so alike I can't tell which is which.

Practice with vocabulary which

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The latest economic report, _______ was published this morning, indicates a slight recovery in the manufacturing sector.
  2. When developing a new product, it's crucial to identify _______ features are most desired by the target audience.
  3. The project manager _______ led the brainstorming session proposed several innovative solutions.
  4. Please clarify _______ steps need to be taken before we can finalize the agreement.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The client's feedback, (a) that / (b) which / (c) what we received yesterday, will be incorporated into the next design iteration.
  2. During the negotiation, we need to determine (a) what / (b) which / (c) how proposal best addresses the concerns of both parties.
  3. The board meeting agenda, (a) for whom / (b) for which / (c) that was circulated last Friday, includes a discussion on budget cuts.
  4. I couldn't understand (a) which / (b) what / (c) who exactly he was implying with his vague statement.
  5. The new intern, (a) whose / (b) which / (c) who technical skills are highly impressive, quickly adapted to the team's workflow.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company launched a new software platform last month. This platform aims to streamline internal communication.
  2. We need to select one of these three candidates. This candidate will fill the senior analyst position.
  3. The committee approved the revised policy. This policy affects all employees.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. which
  2. which
  3. who / that
  4. what

Exercise 2:

  1. (b) which
  2. (a) what / (b) which (Both are plausible depending on context, 'which' if among specific options, 'what' if general information) - Prioritizing 'which' as a direct answer for the exercise intent. Let's go with (b) which for the most specific interpretation as it is about determining which proposal best addresses concerns.
  3. (b) for which
  4. (b) what
  5. (a) whose

Exercise 3:

  1. The company launched a new software platform last month, which aims to streamline internal communication.
  2. We need to select one of these three candidates, who will fill the senior analyst position. (Alternatively: We need to select the candidate who will fill the senior analyst position from these three options.)
  3. The committee approved the revised policy that affects all employees.

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