to which

USAGE SUMMARY

"to which" is a perfectly correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to refer to a previously mentioned statement or clause. For example: "I remember the first time we met, to which I smiled and you laughed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To which she replied, "No.

The New Yorker

To which I say, Really?

The New York Times - Books

To which Moyer just shrugs.

The New York Times

To which I say: how?

The New York Times

To which I say: yes!

The New Yorker

To which women say: balls.

Independent

To which Caslen responded, "Done".

The New York Times - Sports

To which Tarshis replied: "Oh.

Independent

To which I'd reply, "Exactly.

The New Yorker

To which Atwater responds: "Friendship".

The New Yorker

To which I said,"O.M.G".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to which" to clearly connect a response or consequence to a preceding statement, particularly in formal writing. This helps maintain a logical flow and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to which" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "and then" or "so" are often more appropriate and sound less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to which" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. It connects a subsequent clause or statement to a preceding one, often indicating a response, result, or further detail. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to which" is a prepositional phrase that introduces a relative clause, connecting it to a previous statement. Ludwig confirms that it’s grammatically correct and frequently used. The phrase's primary function is to establish a logical link, indicate a response, or provide additional detail, making it suitable for formal writing and professional communication. While its usage is acceptable across various contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in response to which

This alternative emphasizes the direct reactive nature of the subsequent statement, adding a slightly more formal tone.

in answer to that

This alternative is specifically used when responding to a question or query.

as a result of which

This phrase highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between the two statements, focusing on the consequence.

whereupon

This is a more archaic and literary alternative, indicating that something happens immediately after the previous statement.

to that end

This indicates that the subsequent action or statement is aimed at achieving a previously mentioned goal.

consequently

This adverb directly indicates that the second part of the sentence is a direct consequence of what precedes it.

on that account

This phrase highlights that something happens or is the case due to a particular reason or consideration.

because of that

This phrase is more casual but expresses the same causal link, focusing on the reason behind the second statement.

regarding that

This indicates that what follows is about or concerning the previous statement.

following that

This alternative simply indicates a sequence of events, with the second event happening after the first.

FAQs

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

Use "to which" to connect a clause or phrase that responds to or results from a previous statement. For example, "He made a bold claim, "to which" she strongly objected."

What can I say instead of "to which"?

You can use alternatives such as "in response to", "whereupon", or "as a result", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "to which" or "to that"?

"To which" is typically used when referring back to a clause or statement, while "to that" can refer to a more general concept or idea. The choice depends on the specificity of the reference.

When is it appropriate to use "to which" in writing?

"To which" is suitable for formal writing where you want to establish a clear and logical connection between ideas. It helps maintain a sophisticated tone in academic papers, reports, or legal documents.