subject to which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subject to which" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to refer to a prior statement or condition. For example, "All employees must adhere to the dress code, subject to which exceptions can be made in certain circumstances." In this sentence, the phrase "subject to which" is referring to the prior statement made about the dress code.

✓ Grammatically correct

General Writing

Academic Writing

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Now this is the subject to which he plans to return.

The New Yorker

Cole affirms his right to be taken seriously on any subject to which he chooses to direct his searching attention.

The Guardian - Books

The findings are due at the end of this year, subject to which the HSE's guidance could feasibly change.

The Guardian

But he was also able to indulge in the kind of subject to which he was innately drawn.

The New York Times

But regulators face a real headache in deciding which banks should be subject to which mortgage rules.

The New York Times

He explored in particular the feudal revolution of the 11th century, a subject to which he would often return.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Or the popular subject matter to which he always gravitated?

Huffington Post

Stevens accused Frost of writing about "subjects," to which Frost retorted that Stevens wrote about "bric-a-brac".

The New York Times - Books

So did the subjects to which the final debates turned: abortion, stem-cell research, the appointment of Supreme Court judges, gay rights.

The Economist

The sensing subject is the animal, but the proximate subjects to which they are attributed are the powers of sight, touch, hearing, and the like.

SEP

In this review, the real environment and boundary conditions that these airfields are subjected to, which causes rapid scaling, are identified.

Construction and Building Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, "subject to which" can add a layer of precision, but in informal contexts, consider simpler alternatives like "depending on" for better readability.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the "which" clearly refers to a specific noun or clause. Otherwise, the sentence becomes confusing and grammatically weak.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subject to which" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. It connects a main clause to a subordinate clause that specifies a condition or dependency. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase indicates that the preceding statement is contingent on what follows. The examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, from legal agreements to scientific research.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

8%

Science & Research

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "subject to which" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a condition or limitation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, primarily in formal writing contexts. While simpler alternatives exist for informal settings, mastering "subject to which" allows for nuanced and precise communication. Remember to ensure clarity in its usage by clearly defining the antecedent, and avoid ambiguity to make sure the reader understands the context. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, this phrase can elevate your writing with a touch of sophistication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dependent upon which

Replaces "subject to" with "dependent upon", emphasizing reliance on a condition.

contingent on which

Substitutes "subject to" with "contingent on", highlighting the conditional nature.

conditional upon which

Replaces "subject to" with "conditional upon", directly stating the conditionality.

depending on which

Uses "depending on" instead of "subject to", making the phrase more informal.

based on which

Emphasizes that something is "based on" a prior condition, rather than being merely "subject to" it.

conditional to which

Expresses a direct conditional relationship.

predicated on which

Replaces "subject to" with "predicated on", indicating a foundation or basis.

in accordance with which

Shifts the focus to alignment or agreement with a prior condition.

in compliance with which

Highlights adherence to a rule or standard, a more specific type of conditionality.

governed by which

Emphasizes that something is "governed by" certain rules or conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "subject to which" in a sentence?

Use "subject to which" to indicate that a statement is dependent on a prior condition. For example, "All data is analyzed, "subject to which" limitations may affect the results."

What's a simpler alternative to "subject to which"?

Alternatives include "depending on which", "based on which", or "conditional upon which", offering a more straightforward way to express conditionality.

Is "subject to which" formal or informal?

"Subject to which" is generally considered a formal phrase, best suited for academic, legal, or professional writing. Simpler alternatives are preferable in informal contexts.

How does "subject to which" differ from "depending on"?

"Subject to which" is more formal and emphasizes conditionality based on a specific, often previously stated, factor. "Depending on" is more general and can imply a broader range of influencing factors.