which allows the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which allows the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a clause that explains the function or purpose of something, typically in a descriptive or explanatory context. Example: "The new software feature is designed to streamline the workflow, which allows the team to complete projects more efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And hard winters have softened, which allows the beetles to flourish and expand their range.

The New York Times - Science

The holes are then filled with sand, which allows the greens, especially, to drain better.

The New York Times

First, a discard of a spade, which allows the declarer to discard also.

The New York Times - Arts

It's just the two of us, which allows the freedom to write about whatever we like.

The Guardian - Books

I've settled on a half-cup, which allows the mint to announce its presence.

The New York Times - Food

Proponents compare the new companies to blogging, which allows the general public to publish online.

The New York Times

Then Flight 11's transponder, which allows the plane's movements to be tracked, was switched off.

The Guardian

I cook it in a bain-marie, which allows the pudding to remain moist and creamy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lin is a restricted free agent, which allows the Knicks to match any offer.

The New York Times - Sports

They also have a greater blood plasma volume, which allows the heart to pump more blood with each beat.

The New York Times - Health

The private key is a secret code which allows the user to prove ownership of their bitcoin.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which allows the" to clearly indicate a direct causal relationship between a preceding clause and a subsequent action or outcome. Ensure that the "which" refers unambiguously to the immediately preceding clause, maintaining clarity and logical flow.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring that the "which" clause is placed immediately after the element it modifies. Incorrect placement can lead to confusion about what is actually doing the allowing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which allows the" functions as a nonrestrictive relative clause, introducing additional, non-essential information about the preceding clause. It indicates a direct consequence or capability resulting from the action or feature described in that clause. This is supported by Ludwig's examples showcasing its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which allows the" is a versatile relative clause used to explain the consequence or functionality of a preceding clause. Ludwig AI affirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "that enables the" and "that permits the" exist, "which allows the" provides a clear and direct way to show cause and effect, so be sure to place it carefully to avoid ambiguity. Overall, it's a common and reliable phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that permits the

Replaces "allows" with "permits", offering a more formal tone while maintaining the same meaning.

that enables the

Substitutes "allows" with "enables", suggesting a slightly stronger sense of empowerment or capability.

which facilitates the

Replaces "allows" with "facilitates", emphasizing the ease or smoothness of the resulting action.

that makes possible the

Focuses on the action rendering something achievable or feasible.

that gives rise to the

Rephrases the cause-and-effect relationship more explicitly, indicating origination.

that leads to the

Focuses on the sequential aspect, highlighting the progression from one event to the next.

resulting in the

Shifts the emphasis to the outcome, indicating that the specified result is a consequence.

which contributes to the

Emphasizes the contributing factor, suggesting that the action is one of several elements leading to the result.

in consequence of which

Provides a more formal and emphatic way of indicating a result or outcome.

as a result of which

Highlights that the ensuing action is a direct outcome or consequence.

FAQs

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

Use "which allows the" to connect a clause that describes a feature or action to the result or consequence of that feature or action. For example, "The software update includes a new encryption protocol, which allows the data to be transmitted securely."

What are some alternatives to "which allows the"?

You can use alternatives like "that permits the", "that enables the", or "which facilitates the" depending on the context.

How does "which allows the" differ from "that allows the"?

"Which allows the" is typically used in nonrestrictive clauses, providing additional information that isn't essential to the sentence's meaning, whereas "that allows the" is used in restrictive clauses that are essential to defining the noun or phrase they modify.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "which allows the"?

No, "which allows the" should not start a sentence. It introduces a relative clause that modifies a preceding noun phrase or clause.