but which characterizes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but which characterizes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a clause that describes or defines something mentioned earlier in the sentence. Example: "The painting is vibrant and full of life, but which characterizes the artist's unique style."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We can easily find a content of the subject's perception that is a content of the very same perceptual state but which characterizes it more narrowly: the subject sees the facing surface of the apple, and it is by virtue of seeing the facing surface that she sees the apple as a whole.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The main advantage of the proposed methods is that not only the mean position of a contour is retrieved, but also the spread parameter which characterizes the gray level variations aside the contour mean position.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Yes, cheap tickets are appealing, but if we're looking for that which characterizes the next generation of travel sites — like the proliferation of user data profiles, personalization and granularity — then the experience demand more than basic price comparison.

TechCrunch

But unfortunately, the low-level moral development which characterizes authoritarianism will always be with us, because there will always be immature and morally under-developed people in the world.

Huffington Post

But it has a strong undercurrent of nostalgia, of youthful-paradise lost, which characterizes so many of his plays.

The New York Times

But the students are also heavily influenced by a cheap and strident anti-American mass-circulation magazine, Sabili, which characterizes Osama bin Laden as a hero.

The New York Times

"One thing which characterizes New York is all streets are generally the same concept," said Mr. Gehl, the Danish planner.

The New York Times

Should this approach, which characterizes the Israeli right wing led by Ariel Sharon, take root, Israel may become an episode in history.

The New York Times

Over 50% of homicide victims are black, according to a 2014 study conducted by the Violence Policy Center, which characterizes the rate as epidemic.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the 1960s, the German conceptual artist Joseph Beuys was known for his ideas on social sculpture, which characterizes art made of everyday materials or presented in public spaces.

The New York Times

Bernard Cohen, who owns and manages Bonpoint, which characterizes itself as at the high end of the children's apparel market, said the United States remained "a very important market".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but which characterizes", ensure the "but" introduces a clear contrast or exception to a previous statement, and the "which characterizes" clause provides a defining attribute.

Common error

Avoid using "but which characterizes" when there is no genuine contrast. "But" should signal a change in direction or an exception, not just add information.

Linguistic Context

Relative clause connector. "But which characterizes" connects a contrasting element with a descriptive function, modifying a preceding noun or clause. It sets up an exception while providing essential characteristics, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but which characterizes" is a conjunction phrase used to introduce a contrasting element that also provides a defining characteristic. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically sound, although relatively rare. It's most appropriate in formal and scientific contexts where nuanced distinctions are important. When using this phrase, ensure a clear contrast exists and that the descriptive clause is relevant. Be aware of potential misuse where a simple addition is mistaken for a contrast. This phrase should be employed to specify an exception while attributing essential properties. Common alternatives include "yet that characterizes" or "however that defines".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet that characterizes

Replaces "but which" with "yet that", maintaining the contrast and the descriptive function.

however that defines

Uses "however" instead of "but", offering a slightly stronger contrast.

though it typifies

Employs "though" to introduce a contrasting element and "typifies" as a synonym for "characterizes".

while that identifies

Replaces "but" with "while", indicating a simultaneous contrast.

although it marks

Uses "although" to set up a contrast and "marks" to describe a defining feature.

nevertheless highlighting

Combines a stronger contrast with an active description.

still that embodies

Emphasizes the continuation of a characteristic despite a contrast.

even so representing

Indicates a surprising element while maintaining a representation.

despite this denoting

Highlights a contrasting aspect that denotes a characteristic.

conversely signifying

Emphasizes the opposite nature of the description.

FAQs

How can I use "but which characterizes" in a sentence?

Use "but which characterizes" to introduce a defining feature that contrasts with something previously stated. For example, 'The policy is generally effective, but which characterizes an exception for small businesses'.

What phrases can I use instead of "but which characterizes"?

Alternatives include "yet that characterizes", "however that defines", or "although it marks", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "but which characterizes" grammatically correct?

Yes, "but which characterizes" is grammatically correct. The phrase combines a conjunction ("but") with a relative clause ("which characterizes") to introduce a contrasting yet descriptive element.

What's the difference between "but which characterizes" and "and which characterizes"?

"But which characterizes" introduces a contrast, while "and which characterizes" adds additional, non-contrasting information. Use "but" when there's an exception or change in direction.