on which

USAGE SUMMARY

"on which" can be used in written English.
For example: She was wearing a necklace with a green stone on which was written her grandmother's name.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Success depends on which one you use.

The New York Times

Could you kindly elaborate on which ones?

Yale University

It depends on which one.

Forbes

Vote on which ones you like best!

Huffington Post

Decide on which one you like.

WikiHow

It depends on which project.

The New York Times

A poignant note on which to end.

The Guardian - Film

There is something on which to build.

The Economist

Decide on which positions you can compromise.

The New York Times

Sociedad depends on which team turns up.

The New York Times - Sports

Motive to fight on which side?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on which", ensure the sentence structure is clear to avoid ambiguity. Place the phrase as close as possible to the noun it modifies to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "on which" in informal contexts, as it can sound stilted or pretentious. Simpler alternatives like "on what" or rephrasing the sentence are often more appropriate for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on which" functions primarily as a prepositional relative pronoun, linking a clause to a preceding noun or pronoun. It often indicates a basis, condition, or location. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and diverse usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on which" serves as a formal way to link a prepositional phrase to a preceding noun, indicating a basis, condition, or location. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and academic contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where a more elevated tone is desired. Be mindful of potential overuse, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate to maintain clarity and avoid sounding overly formal. Understanding these nuances will allow you to effectively incorporate "on which" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon which

A more formal synonym, often interchangeable but can sound slightly archaic.

on what

A more direct and less formal phrasing, suitable for simpler sentences.

whereon

An older, somewhat literary term with the same meaning, less common in modern usage.

based on which

Emphasizes the foundation or reason for something, adding a layer of justification.

on the basis of which

A more elaborate way to indicate the grounds or justification.

by which

Focuses on the method or means by which something is accomplished or related.

in which

Indicates inclusion or location within something, slightly different focus.

that depends on

Highlights the conditional nature of a statement, focusing on the dependency.

with reference to which

A formal construction indicating the subject or point of relation.

in relation to which

Similar to "with reference to which" but emphasizes the connection between elements.

FAQs

How can I use "on which" in a sentence?

"On which" connects a prepositional phrase to a preceding noun or clause, often indicating a basis or condition. For example: "The data "based on which" the report was written is now public."

What are some alternatives to using "on which"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "upon which" (more formal), "on what" (less formal), or rephrasing the sentence entirely.

Is "on which" always the best choice for formal writing?

While "on which" is suitable for formal writing, overuse can make your writing sound stilted. Consider whether simpler phrasing would be clearer and more effective. Sometimes, "that depends on" the specific sentence.

What's the difference between "on which" and "in which"?

"On which" typically indicates a basis or condition, while "in which" indicates inclusion or location. For example, "the criteria on which the decision was based" vs. "the context in which the event occurred".