which
Often confused with that
- 1Used to say more about a thing you have just named, as in 'the book which I read'.
The clause is like a note in the margin: the sentence still stands without it.
My grandmother's ring, which she wore every day, belongs to me now.
The bridge, which was closed yesterday, is the only way across.
UsageUse which for things and who for people.
- 2Used before a noun to ask about one or more from a group already known.
Which song shall we play first?
I can't remember which bus goes to the station.
UsageUse which to choose from a few known things, and what when the choice is open: which bus?
Similarwhat
Note
- 3Used after a comma to comment on the whole statement that came before.
The front door was open, which worried me.
He never replied, which was very unlike him.
UsageSay he left, which surprised me (not
incorrect: what surprised me).Note
Less common meanings
- 4Used without a noun to ask about one or more people or things from a known group.
'What' asks from an open field, but 'which' picks from a menu already on the table.
Which of these shoes do you like better?
There are three keys here, so which opens the front door?
UsageSay which of these is yours?
- 5Used before a noun in formal writing to point back to something just mentioned.
It is like saying 'and that particular painting' while repeating the noun for clarity.
The meeting dragged on until midnight, at which point most of us were half asleep.
They argued in Latin, which language none of us understood.
UsageSay at which point.
Note
- 6
- 7
- 8In old English writing, used to talk about a person where we now say 'who' or 'that'.
Note
- 9
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
This word comes from Old English "hwelc", meaning "which". It goes back to an old root that meant something like "who" plus "like".
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- Which comes from Old English hwelc, meaning ‘which’. en.wiktionary.org
- Its earlier source combines elements meaning approximately ‘who’ and ‘like’. en.wiktionary.org