Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'which' to give more information about objects, animals, or ideas without starting a new sentence.
- Use 'which' only for things and animals, never for people. Example: 'The book which I read.'
- In non-defining clauses (extra info), always use a comma before 'which'. Example: 'My car, which is old, broke.'
- In defining clauses (essential info), 'which' can often be replaced by 'that' in informal English.
Overview
which 就派上用场了。它是连接事物、动物和想法的终极“胶水”。把它想象成把两个相关的想法粘在一起的胶带，这样你就可以让你的故事一直讲下去，而不用每隔五秒就按一下“句号”键。它能把两个无聊的句子变成一个高级的想法，让你听起来就像真的在伦敦或纽约住过一年一样。which 的核心就是给你的名词加点“料”。在语法世界里，我们管它叫关系代词（relative pronoun）。但你可以直接把它看作一个指示棒。虽然 who 专门负责你的死党和家人，但 which 处理其他一切——你的 iPhone、社区里的流浪猫、周一早晨那种挥之不去的空虚感，或者是那个让你刷到停不下来的 TikTok 热门视频。它让你在不用新开一个句子的情况下，就能提供关于某个物体的更多信息。在英语中，我们用它来定义我们具体在聊哪样东西，或者加一点非必须但绝对有趣的“额外”小知识。它就像帖子的“编辑”按钮；让你能回到句子中，补上你刚才忘了提的细节。只是千万别把它用在人身上，否则你会让你的好朋友觉得自己像个烤面包机。How This Grammar Works
which 是用来代替名词的。你不用在句子的第二部分重复那个名词，而是把它换成 which。假设你有两个想法：“笔记本电脑在桌子上”和“笔记本电脑坏了”。你不用重复说“笔记本电脑”，而是说：“那台笔记本电脑， which 在桌子上，坏了。” 看到了吧？顺滑多了。我们主要有两种用法。第一种是“限定性”版本，也就是告诉我们你具体指的是哪一个。“我昨天买的那款游戏 which 棒极了。” 第二种是“非限定性”版本，也就是加一些就算删掉也无所谓的信息。“我的车， which 已经十年旧了，但跑起来依然很稳。” 注意到那些逗号了吗？它们就像小把手，让你能随手拎起这些额外信息，想扔就扔。如果这些信息只是“顺便说一下”的备注，那就用逗号。如果这些信息对于弄清楚你在说哪样东西至关重要，那就不加逗号。另外， which 有时可以指代整个情况。“他忘了我的生日， which 真让人火大。” 在这里， which 不仅仅是指生日，而是指“他忘了生日”这个事实。它简直就是个“抓马”代词。
Formation Pattern
which 造句就像搭乐高积木。你只需要遵循正确的顺序：
which。
1)， which (3) 上面放了菠萝 (4)，味道好极了 (6)。”
which 引导的从句应该离名词越近越好。如果你把它放得太远，别人可能会搞不清楚你到底在描述什么。别说成 “我在那辆 which 是蓝色的车里看见了一只猫”。到底是猫是蓝色的，还是车是蓝色的？除非那是只阿凡达猫，否则你指的应该是车。
When To Use It
which 了。它非常适合：- 社交媒体配文：“那片景色，
which美得让我窒息，这趟远足值了。” - 产品评价：“那副耳机，
which是我在亚马逊上订的，送来的时候就坏了。” - 职场邮件：“那份报告，
which包含了最终数据，已附在下方。” - 讲故事：“我们住进了一家
which曾经是闹鬼城堡的酒店。” - 澄清选择：“哪部是你想要看的电影
which？”（等等，有两个which！这完全合法，虽然可能有点重复——试着把其中一个换成that听起来会更自然）。
that 在日常口语中超级常见，但 which 通常给人一种“正在写论文的大学生”或“正在做汇报的 CEO”的感觉。如果你在写一封正式信函或论文， which 就是你的最佳拍档。至于发短信？你可以用，但保持随意就好。“我刚洒的咖啡 which 弄得我白衬衫到处都是。真倒霉 (FML)。”
Common Mistakes
- 人机不分：把
which用在人身上。“那个很友善的老师which。” ✗ 错误！用who。除非你的老师是个全息投影，否则他们值得拥有一个who。 - 逗号创伤：在提供额外信息时忘了逗号。“我的三星手机
which是新的。” 如果你只有一部手机，你需要逗号：“我的手机，which是三星的，是新的。” 如果不加逗号，听起来就像你有五部手机，而你在专门指那一台三星的。 - 双重主语：多加了一个代词。“我读过的那本书
whichI read it 很好。” ✗ 不行！which已经代替了那个 'it'。别在代词上太贪心。 - Which vs. What：用
what代替which。“我看的那部电影whatI saw。” ✗ 这听起来很不地道，或者是非常特定的小众方言。描述事物时还是坚持用which或that。 - 距离问题：在名词和
which之间塞了太多词。让他们靠得近一点，就像他们正在第一次约会而且真的很来电一样。
Contrast With Similar Patterns
which 最大的对手是 that。在很多情况下，尤其是在美式英语中，人们会混着用。“我想要的那辆车 that I want” 和 “我想要的那辆车 which I want” 都可以。不过，有一个秘密规则：你只能在非限定性从句（带逗号的那种）中使用 which。你不能说 “我的房子， that 是红色的，在拐角处。” ✗ 这听起来太怪了。这里必须用 which。who。正如我们提到的， who 用于人， which 用于物。动物则是一个灰色地带。如果是你的宠物狗 Sparky，用 who。它是家人！如果是公园里随便一只鸽子，用 which。where 对比一下。 where 用于地点，但如果你加一个介词，其实也可以用 which。“我住的房子 where I live” 和 “我住在其中的房子 in which I live” 是一样的。第二个非常正式——自带“唐顿庄园”的既视感。大多数人只会说 “The house I live in”，但当你需要展现那种高级感时， which 能给你加分。Quick FAQ
我可以用 which 来开头提问吗？
可以，但那是另一项工作了！“你想要哪一个 (Which one do you want?)” 里的 which 是疑问代词。我们这里聊的 which 是关系代词，用来连接句子。
which 比 that 更正式吗？
通常来说是的。在随意的短信中，人们经常用 that 或者干脆把代词省掉。“我读的那本书 (The book I read)” 比 “我读的 which 那本书 (The book which I read)” 更常见。
which 可以指代整个句子吗？
绝对可以！“雨下了一整天， which 毁了我们的野餐。” 这里的 which 指的是下雨这一整个事实。
which 前面一定要加逗号吗？
不一定。只有当信息是“额外”的，且删掉后句子依然通顺时才加。
如果我在聊一家公司呢？
公司通常被视为“事物”，所以用 which。“这家公司， which 成立于 2010 年，现在已经是全球巨头了。”
我可以用 which 来指代宠物吗？
如果你想表现得冷漠又疏远，可以。如果你爱它们，用 who。
Using 'Which' in Different Roles
| Role | Structure | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Subject
|
Noun + which + Verb
|
The car which crashed...
|
'Which' acts as the subject.
|
|
Object
|
Noun + which + Subject + Verb
|
The car which I bought...
|
'Which' acts as the object.
|
|
With Preposition (Formal)
|
Noun + Prep + which + Subj + Verb
|
The house in which I live...
|
Common in formal writing.
|
|
With Preposition (Informal)
|
Noun + which + Subj + Verb + Prep
|
The house which I live in...
|
Common in spoken English.
|
|
Sentential
|
Clause + , + which + Verb
|
It rained, which was bad.
|
Refers to the whole situation.
|
Meanings
A relative pronoun used to introduce a relative clause that provides additional information about a noun that is not a person (objects, animals, concepts, or whole situations).
Defining Relative Clause
Used to identify exactly which object we are talking about. The information is essential to the sentence.
“The umbrella which I lost yesterday was blue.”
“Where is the letter which arrived this morning?”
Non-Defining Relative Clause
Used to add extra, non-essential information about an object. It is always separated by commas.
“My house, which was built in 1920, needs repairs.”
“The movie, which lasted three hours, was very boring.”
Sentential Relative Clause
Used to refer back to the entire previous clause or sentence rather than just a single noun.
“He arrived late, which annoyed everyone.”
“She passed the exam, which was a huge relief.”
Reference Table
| 关系代词 | 指代对象 | 语法功能 | 例句 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
who
|
人
|
从句的主语或宾语
|
The student `who` passed.
|
|
which
|
事物、动物、想法
|
从句的主语或宾语
|
The book `which` I read.
|
|
that
|
人、事、物、想法
|
通用（多用于限制性从句）
|
The car `that` broke down.
|
|
whom
|
人（正式宾语）
|
从句的宾语
|
The person `whom` I met.
|
|
whose
|
所有格（人或物）
|
表示“……的”
|
The artist `whose` work I admire.
|
正式程度
The vehicle which was acquired last month is performing well. (Purchasing a car)
The car which I bought last month is running great. (Purchasing a car)
The car I got last month is great. (Purchasing a car)
That ride which I copped is fire. (Purchasing a car)
深入理解 'Which'
指代对象
- 事物 Inanimate objects
- 动物 Pets, wildlife
- 想法 Concepts, plans
功能
- 连接从句 Links descriptive information
- 增加细节 Provides essential or extra info
- 避免重复 Replaces noun in second clause
语法结构
- `名词 + which + 从句` Standard pattern
- 主语/宾语 Can function as both
- 限制性从句 Essential information
`Who` vs. `Which` vs. `That` 大比拼
如何为事物选择正确的关系代词
名词是人吗？
名词是物、动物或想法吗？
该信息对识别名词至关重要吗？
关系代词是从句的主语吗？
'Which' 的现代应用场景
网络社交
- • 给朋友发短信
- • 游戏语音聊天
- • 在线评论
日常生活
- • APP 点餐
- • 咖啡馆闲聊
- • 解释遇到的问题
学术/职场
- • 大学小组项目
- • 视频面试
- • 撰写报告/演示
娱乐生活
- • 看 Netflix 字幕
- • 讨论电影/剧集
- • 发社媒动态配文
按水平分级的例句
I have a car which is red.
I have a car which is red.
This is the book which I like.
This is the book which I like.
The dog which is in the garden is mine.
The dog which is in the garden is mine.
I want the cake which has chocolate.
I want the cake which has chocolate.
The phone which I bought yesterday is broken.
The phone which I bought yesterday is broken.
Is this the bus which goes to the airport?
Is this the bus which goes to the airport?
I lost the keys which were on the table.
I lost the keys which were on the table.
The movie which we saw was very funny.
The movie which we saw was very funny.
My computer, which is quite old, is very slow.
My computer, which is quite old, is very slow.
He forgot my birthday, which made me sad.
He forgot my birthday, which made me sad.
The hotel which we stayed in was near the beach.
The hotel which we stayed in was near the beach.
I need a job which allows me to work from home.
I need a job which allows me to work from home.
The document to which you are referring is lost.
The document to which you are referring is lost.
The city, which was founded in 1200, is famous for its art.
The city, which was founded in 1200, is famous for its art.
They offered me a promotion, which I immediately accepted.
They offered me a promotion, which I immediately accepted.
The criteria by which we judge success are changing.
The criteria by which we judge success are changing.
The proposal, the merits of which are debatable, was rejected.
The proposal, the merits of which are debatable, was rejected.
He was late for the meeting, which fact he failed to mention.
He was late for the meeting, which fact he failed to mention.
The system, which had been failing for years, finally collapsed.
The system, which had been failing for years, finally collapsed.
It was a decision from which there was no turning back.
It was a decision from which there was no turning back.
The treaty, the signing of which heralded a new era, was brief.
The treaty, the signing of which heralded a new era, was brief.
She argued that the law was unjust, which view was widely shared.
She argued that the law was unjust, which view was widely shared.
The company went bankrupt, which outcome surprised no one.
The company went bankrupt, which outcome surprised no one.
We reached the summit at noon, by which time the fog had lifted.
We reached the summit at noon, by which time the fog had lifted.
容易混淆
Learners often use 'that' after a comma or 'which' without a comma when they shouldn't.
Using 'which' for people or 'who' for objects.
Using 'what' to join two sentences.
常见错误
The man which is tall.
The man who is tall.
The book it is good.
The book which is good.
I like the cat who is black.
I like the cat which is black.
The car which it is red.
The car which is red.
The movie what I saw.
The movie which I saw.
The pen which I write with it.
The pen which I write with.
The house where I bought.
The house which I bought.
My car, that is old, broke down.
My car, which is old, broke down.
He was late that was annoying.
He was late, which was annoying.
The city which I live is big.
The city which I live in is big.
The company who's profits are high.
The company, the profits of which are high.
句型
I have a ___ which ___.
The ___ which I ___ is ___.
My ___, which is ___, is ___.
___, which meant that ___.
Real World Usage
I want to return the shoes which I ordered last week.
I am looking for a role which offers growth opportunities.
I lost my phone, which is why I didn't call.
Is this the museum which has the Picasso paintings?
Click the button which is located in the top right corner.
Check out this sunset, which was taken without a filter!
用 Which 消除歧义
The car which is red is mine.
人不是“东西”！
The teacher who helped me.
什么时候可以省掉它？
The movie (which) I watched was great.
正式与非正式的差异
the box in which，但聊天时我们习惯放后面："the box which it's in."
三字口诀：物、兽、思
The dog which barked.
Smart Tips
Use 'which' instead of 'that' to sound more professional and precise.
Use ', which' at the end of your sentence to share your opinion.
Never use 'that' after a comma in a relative clause. It's always 'which'.
Try removing 'which' to see if the sentence sounds more natural in speech.
发音
The 'wh' sound
In most modern English dialects, 'which' is pronounced exactly like 'witch' /wɪtʃ/. Some older or regional dialects (like Scottish) might use a voiceless 'w' /hw/.
Comma Intonation
In non-defining clauses, there is a slight drop in pitch and a brief pause where the commas are.
Non-defining drop
The cake, ↘ which was chocolate, ↗ was eaten.
The information inside the commas is parenthetical (extra).
记住它
记忆技巧
W-H-I-C-H: Whatever Has Inanimate Characteristics Here.
视觉联想
Imagine a giant question mark (?) turning into a bridge. The bridge connects a box (the object) to a label (the description). The bridge is made of the letters W-H-I-C-H.
Rhyme
For a person use 'who', for a thing 'which' will do.
Story
A robot named 'Which' only collects objects. He picks up a 'ball which is round' and a 'box which is heavy'. He never picks up people because he doesn't understand 'who' they are.
Word Web
挑战
Look around your room. Pick 5 objects and describe them using 'which'. (e.g., 'The chair which is near the window is brown.')
文化笔记
American style guides (like APA or Chicago) are very strict about using 'that' for defining clauses and 'which' only for non-defining clauses.
British English is more flexible. It is very common to hear 'which' used in defining clauses where an American would almost always use 'that'.
In academic writing globally, 'which' is preferred for its precision, especially when used with prepositions like 'in which' or 'by which'.
From Old English 'hwilc', which was originally a question word meaning 'of what form'.
对话开场白
What is a movie which you have seen many times?
Tell me about a hobby which you started recently.
Describe a city which you would love to visit.
Think of a problem in your town which needs to be fixed.
日记主题
常见错误
Test Yourself
I need the book ___ is on the top shelf.
which 来引导定语从句。Find and fix the mistake:
The person which called me was very rude.
Which 用于事物，指代人时必须用 who。选择正确的句子：
Which 正确指代了 'the car' 这个无生命物体，且紧跟在名词后。翻译：'我看了那部获奖的电影。'
Answer starts with: ["I...
which 引导从句来描述它。Score: /4
练习题
8 exercisesThe car ___ I bought is very fast.
Find and fix the mistake:
The man which lives next door is a doctor.
My bike ___ is in the garage is broken.
I have a new phone. It has a great camera.
Paris, that is the capital of France, is beautiful.
A: Why are you upset? B: I lost my wallet, ___.
Select the non-defining clause.
1. The house... 2. He lied... 3. The dog...
Score: /8
Practice Bank
13 exercisesThe laptop ___ I use for work is very fast.
选择正确的句子：
Do you know the café ___ has outdoor seating?
将名词与正确的关系代词连线：
The movie, who was nominated for an Oscar, is streaming now.
翻译：'她有一只总是在她床上睡觉的狗。'
将单词排列成句：
The concept ___ he explained was quite complex.
I found the keys was under the couch.
将单词排列成句：
翻译：'这个软件（没有它我们就无法运行）需要更新。'
哪个句子展示了 'which' 最正式的用法？
The painting, you bought, is beautiful.
Score: /13
常见问题 (8)
No, 'which' is strictly for things, animals, and ideas. For people, always use `who` or `whom`.
Use a comma if the information is 'extra' (non-defining). If the information is essential to identify the object, don't use a comma.
In American English, `that` is preferred for essential information. In British English, both are fine. However, only `which` can be used for extra information after a comma.
Yes, but only if it is the object of the clause (e.g., 'The book (which) I bought'). If it is the subject (e.g., 'The book which is on the table'), you must keep it.
It's when `which` refers to the whole previous sentence, not just one word. Example: 'He won, which surprised us.'
Yes, 'which' is the standard pronoun for animals. However, if the animal is a pet with a name, many people use `who`.
It is slightly more formal than `that` in defining clauses, but it is neutral in most other contexts.
It is a formal way to show possession for things. Example: 'The car, the door of which was open...' (Instead of 'whose door').
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
que / el cual
English distinguishes between 'who' (people) and 'which' (things), whereas Spanish often uses 'que' for both.
qui / que / lequel
French relative pronouns change based on grammatical function (subject/object) rather than person/thing.
der / die / das / welcher
German relative pronouns have gender (masculine/feminine/neuter), while English 'which' is gender-neutral.
Attributive form
Japanese uses word order (modifier before noun) instead of a connecting word like 'which'.
al-ladhi (الذي)
English 'which' is much simpler as it doesn't change for number or gender.
de (的)
The structure is reversed: [Description] + de + [Noun].
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
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