What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
what
Example
What is your name? [what: pronoun]
Example
I don't know what you mean. [what: pronoun]
Example
What a beautiful sunset! [what: exclamation]
which
Example
Which color do you prefer, red or blue? [which: pronoun]
Example
Which book did you borrow from the library? [which: pronoun]
Example
The car which I bought last year is now in the shop. [which: relative pronoun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
What is more commonly used than which in everyday language, as it is more general and open-ended. However, which is still a common and useful word, especially in formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between what and which?
Which is considered more formal than what and is often used in academic or professional settings. However, both words can be used in various levels of formality depending on the context.
