which are

USAGE SUMMARY

"which are" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a specific group of things that were previously mentioned. For example, "There are a variety of fruits found in the store, which are all seasonal and locally grown".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which are?

The New York Times

And which are foes?

Independent

Which are false?

The New York Times

Which are pretty awful.

The New Yorker

Which are what, exactly?

The New York Times

Which are the best?

The New York Times

Which are the worst?

The New York Times

Which are which?

The New Yorker

Which are your favorites?

The New York Times

Which are political.

The New York Times

Which are the other countries?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which are" to introduce nonrestrictive clauses that add extra information but are not essential to the sentence's meaning. Always use commas to set off these clauses.

Common error

Avoid using "that are" in place of "which are" when introducing a nonrestrictive clause. "That" is typically used for restrictive clauses, while "which" is used for nonrestrictive clauses that add extra, non-essential information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which are" functions as a relative pronoun introducing a nonrestrictive clause. This type of clause adds extra information to a sentence but is not essential to its core meaning. As Ludwig AI explains, its correct usage is confirmed by numerous examples in diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which are" serves as a relative pronoun introducing nonrestrictive clauses, providing extra details in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its register is neutral, fitting diverse writing styles. While frequent in News & Media and Wiki contexts, it's versatile enough for various fields. Remember to distinguish its usage from "that are" and always set it off with commas. Using the tips provided in this guide will ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that happen to be

Replaces "which are" with a more descriptive phrase indicating coincidence or chance.

that consist of

Highlights the components or elements that make up something.

that can be

Emphasizes possibility or potential rather than a direct identification.

that represent

Focuses on the idea of symbols or instances.

that may include

Indicates a non-exhaustive list of items or possibilities.

such as

Introduces examples to illustrate a point or clarify a category.

namely

Introduces a list of specific items or examples.

that involve

Emphasizes inclusion in something.

specifically

Highlights particular items within a broader category.

that encompass

Highlights something that completely surrounds or covers.

FAQs

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

Use "which are" to introduce a nonrestrictive clause, providing additional information that isn't essential to the main meaning of the sentence. For example, "Apples, "which are" a popular fruit, grow on trees."

What is the difference between "which are" and "that are"?

"Which are" introduces nonrestrictive clauses (extra information), while "that are" introduces restrictive clauses (essential information). For instance, "The books that are on the table are mine" (restrictive) versus "The books, "which are" on the table, are mine" (nonrestrictive).

Can I omit "which are" in a sentence?

In some cases, you can omit "which are" to make the sentence more concise, especially when followed by a participle or adjective. For example, "The problems, "which are" concerning, need to be addressed" can be shortened to "The concerning problems need to be addressed."

What can I say instead of "which are"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "which are" include "that happen to be", "such as", or "namely". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.