a stroke which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stroke which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a specific type of stroke or an event related to a stroke in a medical or narrative context. Example: "The doctor explained that a stroke which affects the right side of the brain can lead to difficulties in spatial awareness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And about a year ago Cindy suffered a stroke, which caused speech difficulty at first, and memory loss.

The New Yorker

"More than a month ago … Young had a stroke, which left a blood clot on his brain," wrote blogger Daryl Mason of The Ostrahyun.

The Guardian - Music

A stroke, which she suffered at her desk, in 1999, forced her to retire.

The New Yorker

Then, in 2003, he suffered a stroke, which may have saved his life.

The New York Times

Her father had a stroke, which she is convinced came from the stress.

The New York Times

The action takes place two years after de Mille suffered a stroke, which left her paralyzed on her right side.

The New York Times - Arts

My grandmother, an indomitable woman, had suffered a stroke, which I associated with something that happened to older people.

The Guardian

Last October, this celebrated British artist had a stroke, which left him unable to complete his sentences for a time.

The New York Times - Arts

Dr. Rosand said the variant gene might instead impair the brain's normal response to a stroke, which is to increase blood flow to regions affected by a blockage.

The New York Times

The surgery was intended, in part, to prevent a stroke, which can be caused by disruptions in the flow of blood to the brain.

The New York Times

The selection depends on the root cause of a stroke, which can vary from trauma to underlying heart and blood-system ailments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a stroke which", ensure that the "which" clause provides essential information that defines or clarifies the specific stroke being discussed. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity in medical or narrative contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "which" instead of "that" can sometimes make your writing sound overly formal. Consider using "that" if the clause is essential to the sentence's meaning and you want a more concise style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stroke which" functions as a relative clause, providing additional information or clarification about a specific stroke. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in describing medical conditions and their effects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stroke which" is a grammatically correct phrase used to add clarifying details about a stroke, often specifying its causes or consequences. As Ludwig AI validates, it is commonly found in medical and narrative contexts. While alternatives like "a stroke that" exist, the choice depends on the desired level of formality and conciseness. Best practice involves ensuring the "which" clause provides essential information. The phrase appears frequently in "News & Media" and "Science" sources, marking its relevance in objective reporting and medical discourse. It is a versatile phrase that can enhance precision in describing stroke-related topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stroke that

Replaces "which" with "that", offering a slightly more concise relative clause.

a stroke causing

Uses a participial phrase to describe the stroke's direct effect or consequence.

a stroke resulting in

Emphasizes the outcome or consequence of the stroke.

a stroke leading to

Similar to "resulting in", but implies a more indirect or gradual effect.

a stroke characterized by

Focuses on the defining features or symptoms of the stroke.

a stroke marked by

Highlights specific signs or indications associated with the stroke.

stroke and the related

Restructures the sentence to emphasize the stroke and its relationship to another factor.

stroke and consequent

Focuses on what happened after and as a result of the stroke.

stroke; this resulted in

Uses a semicolon to separate the mention of the stroke from its effect.

stroke, further complicated by

Highlights the stroke is an event which makes an existing condition more complex.

FAQs

How is "a stroke which" used in medical contexts?

In medical contexts, "a stroke which" is used to specify the type of stroke or to add clarifying information about its effects, such as "a stroke which affects speech" or "a stroke which causes paralysis".

Is it better to use "a stroke that" or "a stroke which"?

Both "a stroke that" and "a stroke which" are grammatically correct, but "that" is generally preferred in restrictive clauses (essential to the sentence's meaning) for its conciseness. "Which" is more common in non-restrictive clauses (adding extra information). However, in practice, "a stroke that" is often favored in modern writing.

What are some common consequences described after "a stroke which"?

Common consequences described after "a stroke which" include paralysis, speech impairment, memory loss, and cognitive difficulties. For example, "a stroke which led to paralysis" or "a stroke which resulted in speech difficulties".

Can you provide alternatives to the phrase "a stroke which"?

Alternatives to "a stroke which" include "a stroke that", "a stroke causing", or rephrasing the sentence to directly state the consequence, such as "The stroke caused paralysis."