0

Here's an example.

If you want to get a PC and you don’t know from which one to choose, choose something simple.

It doesn't look consistent logically, but another person insists this is the correct form. I find it irregular because it's not exactly a choice if there is only one of... well, anything to choose from.
Is that phrase really better than either of the following examples?

If you want to get a PC and you don’t know which one to choose, choose something simple.

or

If you want to get a PC and you don’t know from which to choose, choose something simple.

Improve this question
3
  • 2
    For a discussion of how "know from" is used in Yiddish English, see Meaning and derivation of 'so-and-so would know from X'. In a standard English version of the sentence you ask about, the wording would be "and you don't know which one to choose."
    – Sven Yargs
    May 17, 2017 at 6:14
  • The word "know" actually has little relevance in this case. It's all about "from which one," which I find questionable.
    – Shrenostal
    May 17, 2017 at 7:38
  • You can choose "which one" to buy, or choose which one "from" the collection of available offerings, but you can't choose "from which one".
    – fixer1234
    May 17, 2017 at 19:32

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0

"from which one to choose" isn't idiomatic English and doesn't make sense: you can't choose from one.

You have to choose (or select, or pick) from a collection, or a set--from more than one, in other words.

choose from those offered in the store

choose something simple (from those offered or from those available)

Improve this answer
1
  • Thank you. That's what I thought, too, but since I'm not a native speaker, I couldn't be 100% sure I was right.
    – Shrenostal
    May 17, 2017 at 12:25

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.