a challange

[Casiopea]

What about something simple like, which English Prime Minister was Tony Blair?

[Dr. Jamshid Ibrahim]

What about something simple like, which English Prime Minister was Tony Blair?

This would mean: which ... out of a group and doesn't necessarily refer to order. Which English PM ...is TB ? Answer: He is the one with a big smile.

[Dr. Jamshid Ibrahim]

Yes, it is a bit formal. Very informally people ask 'What number PM is/was TB?' But it's not very satisfactory; and - as I said in my first post - people can get round it by asking about how many predecessors TB had

Jamshid: I would prefer 'How many percentage points...?'. In BE 'what percentage points...?' is simply wrong, but it would be possible to use some periphrasis like 'What was the percentage difference between...?'.

b

Do you agree with me Bob: How much percent...? is wrong?

[Casiopea]

This would mean: which ... out of a group

True, but it serves its purpose well:

A: X is the 40th PM, not the 41st.
B: OK. Which PM is Tony then?

As for order, hasn't it already been determined that English can't meet urdana's challenge? (I recall having read two previous posts on the very same topic.)

[Dr. Jamshid Ibrahim]

True, but it serves its purpose well:

A: X is the 40th PM, not the 41st.
B: OK. Which PM is Tony then?

As for order, hasn't it already been determined that English can't meet urdana's challenge? (I recall having read two previous posts on the very same topic.)

Such questions become clear when more context is provided because they are ambiguous. As far as order is concerned the challenge can always be met by rephrasing them if there is a shortage in a language.
Jamshid

[BobK]

Do you agree with me Bob: How much percent...? is wrong?

Yes - wrong in BE;' I don't know about IE (or whatever it's called).

Casi, and seekers after earlier views: search for 'US President'.

Another option: 'Where does TB come in the order of British PMs?'

b

[Tdol]

True, but it serves its purpose well:

A: X is the 40th PM, not the 41st.
B: OK. Which PM is Tony then?

As for order, hasn't it already been determined that English can't meet urdana's challenge? (I recall having read two previous posts on the very same topic.)

Yes; we couldn't think of a question for the American president either.

[Dr. Jamshid Ibrahim]

Yes; we couldn't think of a question for the American president either.

True Richard think of one. I am sure it will be more interesting or perhaps you find one as an exception..

[Casiopea]

The point is, previous discussions/research should neither be discounted nor ignored. The topics are related. Research, people.