which are not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'which are not' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in order to give additional information about something that you are referring to. For example: "The shop sells many books on philosophy, which are not part of the store's regular inventory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

which are not AR.

Automatica

Which are not?

The New York Times

*-* parameters which are not limited.

Stanford University

Which are not great for developing relationships.

Harvard Business Review

No doubt other volumes existed which are not extant.

Cornell University

(ii Payments made under programs which are not means-tested.

Cornell University

709, which are not classified to the Code.

Cornell University

Over-measurement represents anchoring to evaluations which are not measures.

Measurement

The solution steps, which are not new, are summarized.

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

Some of which are likable, some of which are not".

The New York Times

Enhancing illumination from pillar candles, which are not always lighted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which are not", ensure the "which" clause refers clearly to the noun it modifies to avoid ambiguity. For clarity, place the clause as close as possible to the noun it describes.

Common error

A common mistake is using "which" instead of "that" for restrictive clauses. Use "that" when the clause is essential to the sentence's meaning. "Which" should be used for non-essential clauses, set off by commas. For example: 'The books that are not on the shelf are missing' (essential) vs. 'The books, which are not on the shelf, are missing' (non-essential).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which are not" functions as a relative clause, providing additional, non-essential information about a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. These clauses add detail without changing the core meaning of the sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which are not" is a versatile phrase used to introduce non-essential clauses, adding descriptive detail to sentences. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use across various contexts. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to use "which" correctly for non-restrictive clauses, differentiating it from "that" for essential information. Mastering this distinction enhances clarity and precision in writing. Consider alternatives like "that aren't" for informality, or rephrasing for conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that aren't

Changes the structure to a contraction, making it more informal.

which aren't

Combines "which are" into a contraction, creating a slightly more casual tone.

that's not

Uses a contraction of "that is not", resulting in an informal and abbreviated expression.

which don't

Substitutes "are not" with "don't", creating a contraction suitable for informal contexts with plural subjects.

that do not

Replaces "which are" with "that do", changing the verb form but retaining the negative meaning.

that is not

Shifts to a singular form, appropriate when referring to a single item.

which is not

Modifies to singular form, used when referencing a single item or concept.

that does not

Utilizes a singular verb form with "does not", appropriate for singular subjects or concepts.

that have not

Changes the verb to "have", suitable for describing something lacking possession or experience of something.

which fail to

Replaces direct negation with a phrase implying a lack of success or ability.

FAQs

How do I use "which are not" in a sentence?

Use "which are not" to add non-essential information about something you've already mentioned. For example: "The apples, "which are not" ripe, were discarded."

What's the difference between "that are not" and "which are not"?

"That are not" introduces essential information defining what you're referring to. "Which are not" adds extra, non-essential details. For example: "The cars that are not working will be towed" (essential) versus "The cars, "which are not" working, will be towed" (extra information).

What can I say instead of "which are not"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "that aren't", "that do not", or "which aren't" to express the same meaning.

Is it always necessary to include "which are not" in a sentence?

No, "which are not" can often be omitted or rephrased for conciseness. Consider if the information is crucial to the sentence's core meaning. If not, it might be better to remove the clause altogether or rephrase using a simpler structure.