Relative clauses are essential for creating complex and nuanced sentences. Understanding the difference between “what” and “which” is key to using them correctly. This article will delve into the specifics of “Relative Clause What Vs Which,” providing clear explanations and practical examples to help you confidently use these relative pronouns.
Understanding Relative Clauses
Relative clauses add extra information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. They begin with relative pronouns like “who,” “whom,” “whose,” “that,” “which,” and “what.” “What” and “which” are often confused, but they have distinct functions. Choosing the wrong pronoun can lead to grammatical errors and unclear communication. For more on sentence structure, see our articles on complex sentences vs compound.
“What” vs. “Which”: Defining the Difference
“What” refers to an indefinite or unspecified thing or situation. It acts as both the relative pronoun and the antecedent. In simpler terms, “what” means “the thing(s) that.” “Which,” on the other hand, refers to a specific thing or a limited set of things. It requires a clear antecedent, meaning the noun it modifies must be explicitly stated in the sentence.
Examples of “What”
- I don’t understand what you’re saying. (Meaning: the thing that you are saying)
- What she did surprised everyone. (Meaning: the thing that she did)
Examples of “Which”
- The book, which I borrowed from the library, was fascinating. (The antecedent is “book”)
- We have several options, which are outlined in the document. (The antecedent is “options”)
When to Use “What” and “Which”
Use “what” when you’re referring to something unknown or unspecified. Use “which” when you’re referring to something specific and previously mentioned. The difference hinges on whether the reader or listener already knows what’s being discussed. You can explore more about relative pronouns in our comparison of compound sentence vs complex sentence.
“What” in Action
- What happened next was completely unexpected.
- Tell me what you need.
“Which” in Action
- The car, which was bright red, sped down the street.
- Of all the colors, which do you prefer?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common error is using “which” without a clear antecedent. For example, “Which happened next was unexpected” is incorrect. The correct version would be “What happened next was unexpected.” Another mistake is using “what” when referring to a specific item from a defined set. For example, “I have two shirts, what do you like better?” should be “I have two shirts, which do you like better?”. Understand the nuances of “where” and “whereby” with our guide on where vs whereby.
Expert Insights
Nguyễn Văn A, a renowned Vietnamese linguist, emphasizes, “Understanding the distinction between ‘what’ and ‘which’ is crucial for clear and accurate communication. Misusing these pronouns can lead to ambiguity and misinterpretation.”
Phạm Thị B, an experienced English teacher, adds, “Students often struggle with ‘what’ and ‘which.’ Focusing on the presence or absence of an antecedent is the key to mastering these relative pronouns.”
Conclusion
Mastering the difference between “what” and “which” in relative clauses enhances your writing and communication skills. By remembering that “what” stands alone and “which” needs an antecedent, you can avoid common errors and construct clear, grammatically correct sentences.
FAQ
- What is a relative clause?
- What is the difference between “what” and “which”?
- Can “which” be used without an antecedent?
- When should I use “what” in a relative clause?
- When should I use “which” in a relative clause?
- What are some common mistakes when using “what” and “which”?
- How can I improve my understanding of relative clauses?
Mô tả các tình huống thường gặp câu hỏi.
- Người học thường gặp khó khăn khi phân biệt “what” và “which” trong mệnh đề quan hệ.
- Việc nhầm lẫn giữa hai đại từ quan hệ này có thể dẫn đến sai sót về ngữ pháp và gây khó hiểu cho người đọc.
Gợi ý các câu hỏi khác, bài viết khác có trong web.
- Sự khác biệt giữa mệnh đề quan hệ xác định và không xác định.
- Cách sử dụng các đại từ quan hệ khác như “who”, “whom”, “whose”, “that”.