Which Meaning
Which Definition & Usage
Used to ask about one or more items from a known set or group.
Examples
- "Which color do you prefer, blue or green?"
- "Which of these books is your favorite?"
- "I can't decide which restaurant to go to."
- "Which car should we buy?"
- "Which team won the match?"
Used to introduce a clause referring to a specific item or group previously mentioned or implied.
Examples
- "The movie, which was directed by Spielberg, was amazing."
- "I found the keys, which were under the couch."
- "She told me about a restaurant, which I visited last weekend."
- "He wore a jacket which matched his shoes."
- "This is the book which I borrowed from the library."
Cultural Context
The word 'which' has its roots in Old English, where it functioned as an interrogative word. Over time, it evolved into both a pronoun and a relative pronoun. It plays a significant role in questions, especially in formal and academic English, and helps to create more detailed descriptions in relative clauses.
The Choices We Make
Story
The Choices We Make
In a small town by the sea, three friends—Anna, Ben, and Clara—were having lunch at a local cafe. The day was bright, and the town was busy with tourists. Anna, who had just returned from a trip abroad, was deciding on a new car. 'So, which one should I buy?' she asked her friends, looking at the two brochures spread on the table. 'I think the red one suits you better,' Ben said, pointing to the picture of a sleek sports car. Clara, who was always more practical, suggested, 'But the blue one has better mileage and safety features.' Anna glanced between the two options, still unsure. 'I just can't decide which is the right choice.' Ben shrugged. 'Well, which one would you feel most comfortable driving?' he asked. Anna smiled, appreciating her friends' advice, and after a moment's thought, she said, 'I think I’ll go with the blue one.' Later that day, the trio went for a walk along the beach. Anna asked, 'Which restaurant do you guys recommend for dinner?' Ben immediately replied, 'There's a great place near the pier, which has fantastic seafood.' Clara added, 'I’ve been there before, and the views are amazing.' As they walked along the shoreline, the conversation shifted to their upcoming plans. 'I’ve got tickets to a show next month,' Anna said. 'It’s a musical, which I think you’ll love.' Ben smiled, 'I’m in! I’ve been wanting to see something new.' As the day ended, the friends sat by the water, reflecting on their decisions. They laughed about how hard it had been to choose a car and a restaurant, yet felt content with their choices. It was moments like this, when they could look back and laugh, that made the questions—'Which one?'—all the more meaningful. Whether they were picking a car, a meal, or a show, the small decisions they made together became part of the stories that shaped their friendship.
