the use of which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the use of which" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to introduce a relative clause and provide additional information about a previously stated noun. For example: "The library offers a range of services, the use of which is free to members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Instead, I urged the use of which or "the flexible that" for companies.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Sonic booms are an indiscriminate instrument, the use of which punishes the population collectively.

The Guardian

Nor did they want to focus on drugs, principally steroids, the use of which is commonplace in the Dominican Republic.

The New York Times

"(iii) the use of which is likely to cause confusion, to cause mistake, or to deceive; or".

Cornell University

He is also the proud possessor of his very own stomach pump, to the use of which he seems addicted.

The New York Times - Books

Police leaders reacted by stressing the crime-fighting benefits of stop and search, the use of which has declined dramatically in recent years.

The Guardian

The cluster bombs, the use of which was first raised by Amnesty International, had been used between December 2015 and January 2016 near al-Khadra in Yemen.

The Guardian

We must learn a lesson from the scheduling of morphine, the use of which dropped in India and sub-saharan Africa because it was no longer available.

The Guardian

The cluster bombs, the use of which was first raised by Amnesty International, had been dropped between December 2015 and January 2016 near al-Khadra in Yemen.

The Guardian

The fact that the Hairies speak the traditional Gumbaynggirr language, for example – the use of which was officially discouraged until relatively recently.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But Gearhart says that fetal-derived cells--the use of which is opposed by some antiabortion groups--is only one field the new institute will explore.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the use of which", ensure the sentence maintains a formal tone and that the clause introduced is essential to understanding the context of the noun it modifies. Avoid using it in informal or conversational writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the use of which" in informal writing or speech. Opt for simpler alternatives like "where it's used" or "how it's used" to maintain a natural and accessible tone for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the use of which" functions as a relative pronoun introducing a non-restrictive relative clause. This clause provides additional, non-essential information about a noun previously mentioned. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

24%

Academia

23%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

11%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the use of which" is a grammatically sound phrase that introduces non-restrictive relative clauses, typically found in formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, highlighting its role in adding extra details about a previously mentioned noun. While quite frequent, this phrase is most commonly encountered in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. When clarity and precision are important and a formal tone is desired, "the use of which" is a useful choice. For less formal communication, simpler alternatives are generally preferred. Be aware that overuse can impact readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the manner of its use

Formal and emphasizes the procedure or method.

in which it is employed

A more formal and emphatic alternative, highlighting the act of employing something.

the purpose for which it is used

Emphasizes the reason or intended outcome of using something.

where it is used

Replaces the relative clause with a more direct indication of location or context of use.

how it is utilized

Shifts the focus to the manner of utilization, emphasizing the method.

its application

Focuses on the act of applying something and is less verbose.

its utilization

A simpler, more direct noun phrase referring to the act of using something.

where it can be applied

Specifies the potential for application in a certain context.

when it is used

Focuses on the specific timing or circumstances of use.

the way it is used

More informal, focusing on the manner of usage.

FAQs

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

Use "the use of which" to add extra information about something you've already mentioned. For example: "The library offers many resources, "the use of which" is free for all residents".

What are some alternatives to "the use of which"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "where it is used", "in which it is employed", or "its application" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it ever incorrect to use "the use of which"?

"The use of which" is grammatically correct but is very formal. It might sound out of place in informal conversations or casual writing. Choose simpler wording for those situations.

What's the difference between "the use of which" and "that"?

"The use of which" introduces a nonrestrictive clause, adding extra information that isn't essential to the sentence's main meaning. "That" introduces a restrictive clause, providing essential information that defines the noun. Using "the use of which" always results in a more formal tone.