which are of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which are of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to specify or describe the nature or characteristics of something in a more formal context. Example: "The documents, which are of great importance, must be reviewed carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This structure has novel features which are of considerable biological interest".

The Guardian - Books

It also boasts plentiful offshore fishing banks, which are of particular interest to European trawler fleets.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Whalen has his duties which are of equal importance to anything I'm doing".

The New Yorker

Then Yosuke showed us the toilets, which are of the composting variety.

The Guardian - Travel

These are limits, informal rules – which are, of course, to be bent and broken.

The Guardian

Spread footings are used, as are pile foundations, which are of two types, bearing and friction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These storms, which are of three to four hours duration, are called haboobs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Eight gates, seven of which are of Classical derivation, pierce the walls.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Approximately 100 streams flow into the lake, only a few of which are of appreciable size.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Which are, of course, two words that may apply to mezcal.

Independent

"Everything's happening so quickly at the moment… There are certain things I'm looking at which are of interest to us.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which are of" to introduce a nonrestrictive clause that provides additional, nonessential information about the noun it modifies. Make sure to set off the clause with commas.

Common error

Avoid using "which are of" in restrictive clauses where the information is essential to the meaning of the sentence. In such cases, use "that are of" or rephrase the sentence for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which are of" functions as a relative clause introducing additional, non-essential information about a noun or pronoun. It provides further description or detail. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, adding descriptive elements to the main subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which are of" introduces nonrestrictive clauses, adding extra information to a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across different contexts. The analysis reveals it's most commonly found in scientific and journalistic writing. When using this phrase, remember to set off the clause with commas and ensure it provides non-essential details. If the information is crucial, consider using "that" or rephrasing. Alternatives like "that consist of" or "that pertain to" may also be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that consist of

Emphasizes the composition or elements included within something.

that comprise

Similar to consist of, but often used when listing the components of a whole.

that belong to

Indicates ownership or affiliation with a group or category.

that pertain to

Highlights relevance or connection to a particular subject or topic.

that relate to

Similar to pertain to, but slightly broader in scope, suggesting a general connection.

that represent

Focuses on the idea of symbolizing or standing in for something else.

that embody

Suggests a tangible representation or expression of an abstract concept.

that are characterized by

Highlights the distinctive features or traits of something.

that feature

Emphasizes the inclusion or presentation of specific elements or aspects.

that include

Similar to feature, but focuses more on the act of containing or encompassing something.

FAQs

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

Use "which are of" to introduce nonrestrictive clauses, providing extra details that aren't essential to the sentence's main meaning. For example: "The books, "which are of" great value, were donated to the library."

What's the difference between "which are of" and "that are of"?

"Which are of" introduces nonrestrictive clauses, set off by commas, while "that are of" introduces restrictive clauses that are essential to the sentence's meaning. The choice depends on whether the clause is providing extra, nonessential information or defining the noun it modifies.

Can I omit "which are of" from a sentence?

Yes, in some cases, you can rephrase the sentence to avoid "which are of" for a more concise style. For example, instead of "The issues, "which are of" concern, need addressing," you could say "The concerning issues need addressing."

What are some alternatives to using "which are of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that consist of", "that pertain to", or rephrasing to use a more direct construction, depending on the specific context.