the part which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the part which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to specify a particular section or element of something being discussed. Example: "I want to focus on the part which explains the main argument of the essay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The most effective part of the act is the part which involves his daughter Margaret.

The New Yorker

Rather than going off to college, Christensen took the part, which was not a popular decision in his household.

The New York Times - Magazine

"There was no attempt to conceal the part, which we have been running since April," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

From thousands of people I got down to the last 10 and then got the part, which launched my career.

The Guardian - Money

But the part which has gotten under people's skin is the experiment which gave the book its name.

Independent

It's a chicken and egg situation- and this is the part which is difficult for people to understand.

Independent

A spokeswoman for Boeing explained the function of the part, which controls the motion of flaps on the wing.

The New York Times

They found the bit of the brain which controls the left hand was slightly thicker than the part which controls the right hand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The part, which Ms. Palumbo shares on alternating nights with Irida Herri, a graduate student from Albania, demands vocal ability as well as mature acting skills.

The New York Times

Fassbender is said to be in early negotiations for the part, which has already been turned down by Christian Bale and Leonardo DiCaprio.

The Guardian - Film

The part, which matched an unlabeled conductor's score discovered earlier this summer, suggested that Britten's long-lost version might have been found.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more concise alternatives like "the section that" or simply rephrasing to eliminate the need for "the part which" for improved clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the part which" in simple sentences where a direct subject-verb construction is clearer. For example, instead of "The part which I liked was the ending", try "I liked the ending."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the part which" functions as a relative clause, introducing additional information about a specific "part". This is highlighted by Ludwig, showing many examples where it introduces clauses that define or describe a particular section or element.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the part which" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to specify a particular section or element. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and wide applicability, as examples show. While its usage spans various registers, it often serves to isolate a specific aspect of a subject. Consider more concise alternatives like "the section that" for improved clarity, as noted in the writing guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the section that

Replaces "part" with "section" offering a slightly different nuance while maintaining the core meaning.

the portion that

Replaces "part" with "portion", indicating a specific amount or share.

the piece that

Replaces "part" with "piece", often used for physical objects or information.

the element that

Substitutes "part" with "element", focusing on a component within a larger whole.

the segment that

Substitutes "part" with "segment", indicating a distinct portion of something.

the aspect that

Uses "aspect" instead of "part", highlighting a particular feature or characteristic.

the component that

Uses "component" instead of "part", emphasizing the role of a specific piece.

the area that

Replaces "part" with "area", referring to a specific region or domain.

that aspect of

Rephrases to focus on a specific aspect, offering a more direct construction.

which part

Inverts the structure into a question format, suitable for inquiries.

FAQs

How can I use "the part which" in a sentence?

Use "the part which" to specify a particular section or element of something you are discussing. For example, "The part which I found most interesting was the conclusion."

What can I say instead of "the part which"?

You can use alternatives like "the section that", "the element that", or "the portion that" depending on the context.

Is "the part which" formal or informal?

"The part which" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more concise alternatives might be preferred in formal writing.

What is the difference between "the part which" and "that part that"?

"The part which" and "that part that" are similar, but the former is generally considered more grammatically sound. Using "which" is often preferred in formal writing, while "that part that" can sound redundant. Consider using alternatives like "the section that".