3

SpanishDict says.

Lo cual can only be used to refer to something that has already been mentioned in the same sentence.

Lo que can be used any time lo cual is used, and it can also be used to refer to something that has not been brought up before in the same sentence.

However the practice quiz at the bottom say

Lo cual is best for the sentence since it refers to an antecedent specifically mentioned earlier in the phrase

when i chose lo que as the answer as in the following example:

El niño gritó en voz alta, lo cual me molestó mucho.The child screamed in a loud voice, which upset me very much.

My question is, Should i adapt the definition? In which case the sentence above becomes,

El niño gritó en voz alta, lo que / lo cual me molestó mucho.

Or should I use lo cual over lo que whenever something is mentioned before

Improve this question
1
  • Your proposed adaptation sounds reasonable.
    – aparente001
    Feb 13, 2018 at 19:50

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
4

Both "lo que" and "lo cual" are fine as equivalents of the sentence relative "which".

It is true that "lo cual" is a stronger linker and may sound slightly better than "lo que" in those contexts.

The other definition, of "lo que" being equivalent to nominal relative "what", is also correct:

  • Lo que me molestó mucho es que el niño gritara en voz alta. (What annoyed me terribly was that the boy should shout so loudly.)

In the sentence above, "lo cual" is ungrammatical.

Improve this answer
2
  • what about this sentence, the translation that lo cual means what is confusing to me. Tomé el té, que era lo cual yo quería.I drank the tea, which was what I wanted.
    – Simple
    Feb 13, 2018 at 0:16
  • 2
    That is ungrammatical. Nominal relative "what" can never be translated as "lo cual". The sentence should be: Tomé el té, que era lo que yo quería.
    – Gustavson
    Feb 13, 2018 at 0:52

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.