which are used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which are used" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is typically used to introduce additional information about a particular subject. For example: "Roses are one of the most popular flowers, which are used most often in bouquets for special occasions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let us introduce the following hypotheses which are used hereafter.

Advances in Difference Equations

Which are used by leading automobile company.

Procedia Engineering

pinnatifida, which are used in traditional medicines for various purposes.

Industrial Crops and Products

Instead, users pay for credits, which are used to send messages and open chat sessions.

The Guardian - Tech

It is gradually phasing out the DC-9's, which are used on short-distance flights.

The New York Times

The decision affected Waters's Quattro Ultima mass spectrometers, which are used to analyze chemicals.

The New York Times

Aerospace has developed some interesting telecom chip technologies, which are used for broadband.

The New York Times

Britain also has a number of outdoor tracks which are used in the summer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

CNA Surety sells surety bonds, which are used by contractors to guarantee completion of construction projects.

The New York Times

BZ is an anticholinergic, similar to atropine or scopolamine, which are used in medicine today.

The New Yorker

The island is divided up into "boat stations", which are used a reference points.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which are used", ensure the clause provides essential information, or use "that are used" if the clause is restrictive and critical to the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid substituting "where" for "which" when referring to objects or concepts. "Where" should only be used to refer to places. For instance, the correct usage is "tools which are used", not "tools where are used".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which are used" primarily functions as a relative clause, adding descriptive information to a noun. Ludwig AI identifies it as a grammatically correct construction commonly used to provide additional details or context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which are used" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase for adding non-essential information about a noun. As shown by Ludwig AI, it functions as a relative clause and is frequently encountered across diverse fields, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, remember to use "which" for non-restrictive clauses and "that" for restrictive clauses. Common errors, such as substituting "where" for "which", should be avoided to maintain clarity and precision in writing. Alternatives like "that are employed" can also be considered to add variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that are employed

Uses a synonym for "used", focusing on the act of employing something for a specific purpose.

that are intended for

Highlights the intended purpose or design of something, rather than just its use.

that serve as

Emphasizes the function or role that something fulfills.

which function as

Similar to 'serve as', but with a stronger emphasis on the operational aspect.

that get utilized

Replaces "used" with "utilized", making it slightly more formal.

which are designed to

Focuses on the design aspect, indicating that something was specifically created for a certain use.

that are applied in

Highlights the application of something in a particular context.

that one can use

Shifts the focus to the possibility or ability to use something.

that are suitable for

Emphasizes the appropriateness or suitability of something for a specific purpose.

that are known for

Highlights a characteristic or property that something is recognised for.

FAQs

How can I use "which are used" in a sentence?

Use "which are used" to add non-essential, descriptive information about a noun. For example, "Smartphones, which are used for communication and entertainment, have become essential in modern life."

What's a more formal alternative to "which are used"?

For a more formal tone, you could use "that are employed" or "which function as", depending on the specific context.

When should I use "that are used" instead of "which are used"?

"That are used" is appropriate when the clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence. "Which are used" is used for non-essential clauses set off by commas. For example, "The tools that are used in this lab are highly specialized."

Are there any synonyms for "used" in the phrase "which are used"?

Yes, you can replace "used" with synonyms such as "employed", "utilized", or "applied" to add variety to your writing.