Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Marrion]

[1] You may take which book you like.
[2] You may take whichever book you like.

[3] Take which book you like.
[4] Take whichever book you like.
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Do [1] and [2] have the same meaning?

And

Do [3] and [4] have the same meaning?

[Suzanne]

1] You may take which book you like.
[2] You may take whichever book you like.

[3] Take which book you like.
[4] Take whichever book you like.

Hello!

Both 2 and 4 are correct. "Whichever" means it doesn't matter. In these sentences, you are telling someone to choose any book that's available.

"Which" is used when there are a limited number of choices.
Examples:
"Which book would you like? Harry Potter or The DaVinci Code?"
"Since he didn't have much money, he couldn't decide which book to buy."
"Which language do you prefer when reading a book?"

Does that help?

[Marrion]

Thank you very very very much.^0^//

I have another question.

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[1] Try which method you may, you will fail.
[2] Try whichever method you may, you will fail.
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[3] Which picture you choose, I will give it to you.
[4] Whichever picture you choose, I will give it to you.
[5] Choose which picture you may, I will give it to you.

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Do [1] and [2] have the same meaning?

Do [3], [4] and [5] have the same meaning?

[Suzanne]

Yes, they mean the same. However, the structure is a little awkward. I will write a different sentence under each of yours:

[1] Try which method you may, you will fail.
No matter which method you try, you will. fail.
[2] Try whichever method you may, you will fail.
Whichever method you try, you will fail.
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[3] Which picture you choose, I will give it to you.
Which picture do you want to choose? I will give it to you.
[4] Whichever picture you choose, I will give it to you.
This sentence is correct! Good job!
[5] Choose which picture you may, I will give it to you.
Choose which picture you like. I will will give it to you.

Or:
I will give you whichever picture you choose.

[Marrion]

Thank you very much.^0^//

Good luck to you and may God bless you!!