What, Which, Whose – Interrogative Determiners with Examples

Interrogative determiners are essential tools in English grammar that help us ask precise questions. These question words (what, which, and whose) directly modify nouns to create specific inquiries. Let's explore each with clear explanations and relatable Indian examples.

What Are Interrogative Determiners?

Interrogative determiners (also called interrogative adjectives) are words that modify nouns to form questions. They always appear before the noun they modify.

Example: "What time is the train to Mumbai?"
Here, "what" modifies the noun "time" to form a question.

The Three Interrogative Determiners

1. What – For General Questions

Use what when asking about things in general, without specific options in mind.

Examples:
• What dish would you like from the menu?
• What language do they speak in Goa?

Pro Tip: "What" is your go-to choice when the possible answers are unlimited or unknown.

2. Which – For Specific Choices

Use which when selecting from known or limited options.

Examples:
• Which metro line goes to Connaught Place?
• Which Bollywood actor do you prefer - Shah Rukh or Aamir?

Memory Trick: Use "which" when you can point to the options physically or mentally.

3. Whose – For Possession

Whose indicates ownership or relationship.

Examples:
• Whose scooter is blocking the gate?
• Whose notes are these on the table?

Common Error:
❌ Who's phone is ringing? (Incorrect)
✅ Whose phone is ringing? (Correct)
Remember: "Who's" = "Who is" or "Who has"

Advanced Usage

In Indirect Questions

Interrogative determiners work in both direct and indirect questions:

Direct: Which festival do you enjoy most?
Indirect: She asked which festival I enjoyed most.

With Different Types of Nouns

These determiners work with all nouns:

• What ingredients (countable)
• Which advice (uncountable)
• Whose children (plural)

Examples

Market Scene: Which mangoes are sweeter - Alphonso or Dasheri?
College Campus: Whose project file was left in the lab?
Family Gathering: What sweets should we order for Diwali?

Practice Exercise

Fill in the blanks with what, which, or whose:

1. ______ train goes to Howrah? (specific options known)
2. ______ time does the Puja start? (general question)
3. ______ umbrella is this in the corridor?
(Answers: 1. Which, 2. What, 3. Whose)

Final Thoughts

Mastering interrogative determiners will make your questions more precise and natural. Remember:

What = General, open-ended questions
Which = Specific choices from known options
Whose = Questions about ownership

With these distinctions clear, you're ready to ask perfect questions in any situation!