which represents vs what represents

Both 'which represents' and 'what represents' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Which represents' is used when there is a specific set of options to choose from, while 'what represents' is used when the options are not predefined and the question is more open-ended.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 1063 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when there is a specific set of options to choose from.

"which represents"

Use 'which represents' when you are referring to a specific set of options and you want to know which one of them is being represented.

Examples:

Please choose the logo which represents our company best.
Among the paintings, which one represents the artist's style the most?
I need to find the book which represents the author's most famous work.

Show examples from the web [+]

Select here the value which represents the percent-threshold of the solarize intensity.
Select here the value which represents the random pixel in a neighborhood of this extent.
The combined profits of the key players in this market total $80 billion, which represents a massive tax on the real economy.
In this context, the Commission welcomes the progress achieved by Ukraine in economic reform, which represents a step towards fulfilment of the Market Economy Status criteria.
I voted for this text, which represents genuine progress for women.
That is why I voted in favour of this report, which represents a further step in achieving a social Europe.
Select here the value which represents the extent of the implosion.
Select here the value which represents the width of the local neighborhood.
Select here the value which represents the mean offset.
Select here the value which represents the radius of the pixel neighborhood.
Select here the value which represents the standard deviation of the Gaussian, in pixels.
Annex IV deals with trend reversal, which represents an important precautionary instrument.
This is particularly important for the replacement market which represents 78 % of the total.
Line which represents an elevation break due to a man-made construction present on the terrain.
Now, that's roughly 45 times bigger than this bowling ball which represents our Sun.
Your ruling planet is the moon, which represents major feminine energy and nurturing.
Sip the wine which represents the holy blood.
Indeed, significant capacities are available reaching more than 500000 tonnes which represents the entire Union consumption.
That is why Parliament, which represents the higher interests, must play a greater role in future.
This Parliament, which represents those people, cannot go along with this.

Alternatives:

that represents
the one that represents
the option that represents
the symbol that represents
the image that represents

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when the options are not predefined and the question is more open-ended.

"what represents"

Use 'what represents' when you are asking for a general representation or when the options are not specified.

Examples:

Can you tell me what represents the concept of freedom to you?
I'm not sure what represents the best solution to this problem.
What represents a good example of teamwork in your opinion?

Show examples from the web [+]

Do you know what represents our family?
We should show that we are rational, consistent and coordinated on what represents, in spite of everything, considerable progress.
Just tell me what represents a facet of my personnality that I should just be getting rid of.
Therefore, I believe that we should vote for what represents a 'win-win' situation in support of Europe, offering the best solution for both the old and the new Member States.
That's what represents us.
What you represent to them... is freedom.
Think what we represent, what we are.
Its value lies in what it represents.
My people are not ready to accept what you represent.
But I have no idea what it represents.
We still have no idea what you represent.
They're scared of what you represent to them.
Yes, because of what he represents.
Chewing and cellphone are fairly obvious as to what they represent.
That's what you represent, family.
Maybe it's not the room, but what it represents.
That's what it represents to us.
What matters is what it represents.
Because everyone just uses me for what I represent to them.
It's what she represents, George.

Alternatives:

what symbolizes
what stands for
what embodies
what epitomizes
what signifies

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which represents vs what represents