be which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be which" is not correct and usable in written English.
It does not form a coherent or grammatically correct expression in standard English usage. Example: "I want to be which one of the options is best for us."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I should be,– which row were my lions?

Yale University

The questions will be which platform comes out on top.

The Guardian

The key question would be: which would take precedence?

Independent

Eventually it might be which to leave off.

The Economist

The important element appears to be which facts are shared, and how.

Cornell University

Pence is what he has chosen to be, which is horrifying.

The Washington Post

The major problem facing the examiners would be: which options to leave out.

The Guardian - Opinion

One of the major questions would be: which is the best solid tumor to target?

Nature

Or at least it could be; which is the nature of hope.

The Guardian - Books

Another telling detail will be which administration officials also make the trip.

The Washington Post

He is appealing and believable when he needs to be, which is often.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While the construction "be which" appears frequently, recognize that it's often grammatically unconventional. Consider restructuring your sentence to use a clearer and more direct alternative.

Common error

Avoid using "be which" in complex sentences where a more direct relative pronoun (that, who, whom) or a rephrasing would provide clarity. Simplify your sentence structure for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be which" often functions as a linking verb followed by a relative pronoun. It attempts to connect a subject to a description or identification, but often results in grammatically awkward constructions. Ludwig AI points out it is ungrammatical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be which" is used frequently across various contexts but is grammatically questionable. Ludwig AI identifies it as incorrect. While prevalent in news and media, academic, and scientific sources, it's best to approach this phrase with caution. Alternatives such as "which it is" or restructuring sentences can offer more grammatically sound and clear communication. Pay attention to the context and purpose of your writing to choose the most effective and grammatically correct phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which it is

Reverses the structure to emphasize the existing state or condition.

that it is

Substitutes "which" with "that" to specify a particular characteristic or state.

what it will be

Focuses on future possibilities rather than present attributes.

it would be

Shifts to a hypothetical or conditional scenario.

as it is

Highlights the current condition or state of something.

that is

Simplifies the structure to a more direct statement of fact.

it can be

Emphasizes the potential or possibility of a certain state.

what that is

Highlights a lack of information or context about something.

which could be

Adds a layer of possibility or speculation to a statement.

that might be

Introduces uncertainty or possibility regarding an attribute.

FAQs

How can I rephrase a sentence that uses "be which"?

Instead of using "be which", try using constructions like "which it is", "that it is", or restructuring the sentence to use a more direct relative pronoun. For example, change "The issue will be which candidate wins" to "The issue is which candidate wins".

Is it grammatically correct to use "be which" in formal writing?

While commonly used, "be which" is often considered grammatically unconventional. In formal writing, it's best to opt for clearer alternatives to ensure precision and grammatical correctness.

What are some alternatives to "be which" in questions?

In questions, you can often replace "be which" with "which is", "what is", or rephrase the question for clarity. For example, instead of "The question will be which team wins", ask "Which team will win?"

When is it acceptable to use "be which" in informal writing?

While still not grammatically ideal, "be which" might be acceptable in informal writing or speech where clarity isn't heavily compromised and the phrasing feels natural. However, even in informal contexts, consider whether a clearer alternative would enhance understanding.