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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,055
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,055 |
Can someone tell me if there's is any usage rule concerning the following two questions. I would say the second sounds better. Please advise:-)
What format should the file be in?
Which format should the file be in?
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,891
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,891 |
I'm sure the more gramatical members will give you the exact rule, but the way I see it is this.
If you use the word "which" you are asking a person to choose from a set number of things, to choose from a specific group. So the question must be followed by the list to choose from.
i.e. Which format should I put this file in? jpg, gif or tif?
If you use "what" you are not providing a list of choices. You don't know what the choices are.
i.e.
"I scanned a picture of my puppy, and I want to save it in my computer." "What format should the file be in."
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,154
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,154 |
I agree with la Belle; "what" implies an open set. The finite set may be understood rather that stated, eg if you only use 2 formats at work you might not list them since your colleague already knows the list.
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