which affects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which affects" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the impact or influence of one thing on another. Example: "The new policy, which affects all employees, will be implemented next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Justin, 3, has cerebral palsy, which affects his lower legs.

The New York Times

This is an issue which affects many inner-London schools.

The Guardian

"This is a tax which affects so many of us.

The Guardian

My hands are weak, which affects my writing.

Independent

Fouling is a complex problem which affects thermal equipment.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

Temperature is a thermal parameter which affects the device performance.

Superlattices and Microstructures

Digitization is a megatrend which affects all industries.

Procedia Manufacturing

Landslide is a natural process which affects soil.

Measurement

Ending poverty requires confronting climate change, which affects every nation and every person.

The Guardian

The site also tells you the zoning designation, which affects other possible development in the area.

The New York Times

Mr. Mendelsohn died of Addison's disease, which affects the adrenal glands, in 1989.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which affects", ensure the clause is nonrestrictive by placing commas before "which". This clarifies that the information is additional and not essential to the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "that affects" when "which affects" is appropriate. "Which" introduces nonrestrictive clauses, while "that" introduces restrictive clauses essential to the meaning. Incorrect: The policy that affects all employees is new. Correct: The policy, which affects all employees, is new.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which affects" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or noun phrase by providing additional information about it. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s used to add descriptive details without being essential to the sentence's core meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which affects" is a versatile phrase used to introduce nonrestrictive clauses, providing additional information about a preceding noun or noun phrase. It’s grammatically correct and commonly found in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news, scientific writing, and general discourse. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase serves to expand upon a statement by explaining consequences or influence. When using "which affects", remember to use commas to set off the nonrestrictive clause. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "that influences" or "that impacts", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that influences

Replaces "affects" with a more general term for impact.

that impacts

Uses a synonym of "affects" to indicate a direct influence.

that influences

Replaces "affects" with a more general term for impact.

that has an effect on

Expands the phrase to clarify the nature of the influence.

that bears upon

Introduces a more formal and nuanced way of expressing influence.

that has repercussions for

Highlights the consequential nature of the influence.

that plays a role in

Indicates that something contributes to a larger process or outcome.

that is instrumental in

Emphasizes the importance of something's influence.

that conditions

Suggests that something sets the stage for or determines something else.

that determines

Indicates a direct and decisive influence.

FAQs

How do I use "which affects" in a sentence?

"Which affects" introduces a nonrestrictive clause, providing additional information. For example: "The new policy, which affects all employees, will be implemented next month."

What's the difference between "that affects" and "which affects"?

"That affects" introduces a restrictive clause essential to the sentence's meaning, while "which affects" introduces a nonrestrictive clause offering additional information. Use "which" with commas.

What can I say instead of "which affects"?

Alternatives include "that influences", "that impacts", or "that has an effect on", depending on the context.

Is "which affects" formal or informal?

"Which affects" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The choice depends on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.