Whichcompared with whoand what

A Examples of which and what used for things: What will you have to drink?

There's gin, whisky and sherry: which will you have? What does it cost to get to Scotland? ~ It depends on how you go. ~ Which (way) is the cheapest or Which is the cheapest (way)? I've seen the play and the film. ~ What did you think of them? Which (of them) did you like best?

B Examples of which and who used for people:

Who do you want to speak to? ~ I want to speak to Mr Smith. ~ We have two Smiths here. Which (of them) do you want? which (pronoun) of people is not used alone as subject of a verb:

Which of you knows the formula? ('of you' is essential.) Who knows the formula? would also be possible.

C which (adjective) can be used of people when there is only a very slight idea of restriction:

Which poet (of all the poets) do you like best? what would be possible here and would be more logical, but

what (adjective) for people is normally avoided.

60 Interrogative adverbs: why, when, where, how

A why? means 'for what reason?': Why was he late? ~ He missed the bus. 6 Interrogatives

B when? means 'at what time?':

When do you get up? ~ 7 a.m.

C where? means 'in what place?':

Where do you live? ~ In London.

D how? means 'in what way?':

How did you come? ~ I came by plane.

How do you start the engine? ~ You press this button.

how can also be used:

1 With adjectives (see 25 C):

How strong are you? How important is this letter? (For how + old/high etc., see 58 E.)

2 With much and many:

How much (money) do you want? How many (pictures) did you buy?

3 With adverbs:

How fast does he drive? How often do you go abroad?

How badly was he hurt? How soon can you come? Note that How is she? is an enquiry about her health, but What is she like? is a request for a description. (See 58 C.) Do not confuse How are you? with How do you do? When two people are introduced each says How do you do? This is a greeting rather than a question. (See 126.)

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