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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Usage of which and what

My question is when to use which and when to use what, in questions about choosing something.
  

Top answer

Here's the general rule. When choosing form a number of alternatives known beforehand, use "which". : Which way should I go, east or north?

— Ant_222

  • Here's the general rule.
  • When choosing form a number of alternatives known beforehand, use "which".
  • : Which way should I go, east or north?
  • When querying about an item from an unknown "domain", use "what".
  • : What did you give him as a birthday present?
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4 Answers
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Here's the general rule.

When choosing form a number of alternatives known beforehand, use "which".
Ex.: Which way should I go, east or north?

When querying about an item from an unknown "domain", use "what".
Ex.: What did you give him as a birthday present?

Anton
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Anton, thank you very much for your help, but my question is when you ask something in which "choosing" is the option, Do I use which or what?

Ex. Which dress will you buy for the wedding? or What dress will you buy for the wedding?
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Hello, Anonymous, and welcome to the Forums.

It appears that you posted two similar posts within 45 minutes of each other. I have deleted the second one (even though it was more specific in nature) because the first one already had a response.

You may want to consider registering with us, because then your posts won't need to be approved by a moderator, and they may be answer
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Anonymousbut my question is when you ask something in which "choosing" is the option, Do I use which or what?
Ex. Which dress will you buy for the wedding?  or What dress will you buy for the wedding?
Again, the same general rule applies. If one is choosing between, say, three specific dresses, then use "which". If you are asking what kind of dress i
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