What/which

Hello,

       May I ask the difference between what and which? For example; which/what kind of cheese do you need? In this situation, which one is better? Thank you very much.

Hi! Both which & what can be used in this sentence, but there is a slight difference in meaning.  If you say "Which kind of cheese do you need?" you are probably asking someone to choose among specific implied or mentioned cheeses, as in, "Which kind of cheese do you need—cheddar, jack, or gouda?"

If you aren't asking for someone to choose among specific cheeses, but are asking them to choose a kind of cheese from cheeses in general, then it is better to use "what." However, this is a very subtle difference.

Amy