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Definition which in British English

which determiner, pronoun

determiner, pronoun
/wɪtʃ/

Which can be used in the following ways:

as a determiner (followed by a noun): Which colour do you like best?

as a pronoun (without a following noun): Choose any card – it doesn’t matter which. (introducing a question): Which is the hottest month of the year? (followed by ‘of’): Which of you is responsible for this department? (introducing a relative clause): My car, which I have owned for five years, is a Ford.

The relative pronouns which or that are often left out when they are the object in this type of relative clause: Did you find the book (which/that) you were looking for?

Example

Which would you like, tea or coffee?

Example

Which way did they go?

Example

Which of the secretaries did you talk to?

Synonyms and related words
after you any chance of...? any luck?
1.1

used when someone knows, says, is not certain about etc the specific choice between two or more possibilities

Example

They're all so pretty - I don't know which one to choose.

Example

It was either whisky or vodka - I forget which.

Example

Did he say which hotel he was staying at?

Example

I don't know which is worse - spending Christmas alone or watching my friends get drunk.

2

used for introducing information that shows what specific thing or type of thing you are talking about. You can also use 'that' to introduce this type of relative clause, and this is more usual

Example

I've been thinking about those questions which you asked me last week.

Example

It's a story which every child will enjoy.

Example

the air crash in which Hammarskjöld died

3

used for adding information or a comment about a particular thing or fact when it is already clear what that thing or fact is

Example

Bogart starred in the film Casablanca, which was made in 1942.

Example

A skilled workforce is essential, which is why our training programme is so important.

Example

The search will not begin until dawn, by which time it will probably be too late.

Example

Of course it may rain, in which case we shall have to hold the ceremony indoors.

Synonyms and related words
namely incidentally furthermore
Definition which in British English