those which are

USAGE SUMMARY

"those which are" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a group of things that have been previously discussed. For example: "I was surprised to discover that some of the books had been damaged—those which are still readable are quite valuable."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those which are completely blank will be set aside.

The New York Times

It is supposed to embrace those rights which lie in contract, those which are executory, as well as those which are executed.' Soulard v. United States, 4 Pet.

Cornell University

These communications are generally separated into those which are hostile to the protestors, and those which are hostile to the administration.

Columbia University

There are, in human affairs, two kinds of problems: those which are amenable to a technical solution and those which are not.

The New Yorker

In the foreseeable future, it seems, there will be two kinds of nonprofit newspapers those which are deliberately so and those which are reluctantly so.

The New Yorker

Those which are produced toward the outside become the particularly important tissue called cork.

University of California, Berkeley

Try to choose those which are most relevant to the position or company.

Columbia University

Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite...

Cornell University

In the foreseeable future, it seems, there will be two kinds of nonprofit newspapers — those which are deliberately so and those which are reluctantly so.

The New Yorker

According to Redmond, the most vulnerable sandboxes are those which are hidden from the street.

The New Yorker

Students learn how to foster friendships that nourish them and avoid those which are destructive.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "those which are" to clearly distinguish a specific subset from a larger group, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "those which are" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing; simpler alternatives like "the ones that are" or "those that are" often sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "those which are" functions as a relative clause, specifying a particular subset of items from a larger group. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. It commonly introduces additional information about the items being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

25%

News & Media

23%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "those which are" is a grammatically sound phrase used to specify a subset of items. While correct, it leans toward a more formal tone. Ludwig's examples reveal its frequent use across diverse fields like science, news, and academia. For everyday conversation, simpler alternatives such as "those that are" may be more suitable, as Ludwig AI suggests. Understanding the nuance helps in choosing the most appropriate expression for any writing context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the ones that are

Replaces "those which" with "the ones that", offering a slightly more informal alternative.

the ones who are

Replaces "those which" with "the ones who", emphasizing people rather than things.

the things that are

Substitutes "those" with "the things", making the reference more explicit.

the items that are

Replaces "those" with "the items", suitable for formal contexts listing objects.

those that exist

Focuses on existence rather than specific characteristics, broadening the scope.

the ones existing

Simplifies the phrase, using a participle instead of a relative clause.

those being

Uses a more concise form, appropriate when the context is clear.

those that may be

Adds a degree of uncertainty or possibility to the statement.

whichever are

Shifts the focus to a selection from any available options.

that which is

Uses a more formal and somewhat archaic construction.

FAQs

How can I use "those which are" in a sentence?

Use "those which are" to specify a subset of items from a larger group. For example, "Among the applicants, "those which are" qualified will be invited for an interview."

What can I say instead of "those which are"?

You can use alternatives like "the ones that are", "the things that are", or simply "those that are" depending on the context. Simpler phrasing is often preferable for informal settings.

Which is correct, "those which are" or "those that are"?

Both "those which are" and "those that are" are grammatically correct, but "those that are" is generally preferred in modern English due to its brevity and natural sound. The choice often depends on the desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "those which are" and "those who are"?

"Those which are" refers to inanimate objects or abstract concepts, while "those who are" refers to people. For example, "the books "those which are" on the top shelf" versus "the students "those who are" present today."