which belong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which belong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate possession or association with a particular subject or group. Example: "The books which belong to the library must be returned by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Television makes use of the airwaves, which belong to the public.

The New York Times

If you give back the Falkland Islands, which belong to us, you will get my vote'.

The Guardian - Sport

We will be able to put behind us these problems, which belong to the past".

The Guardian - Business

"I have so many secrets inside of me which belong to other people," she tells me.

The Guardian - Music

There are a few coughs, which belong to my father and augur a future battle.

The New Yorker

Within a organisation there are clear strategic decisions which belong to the board and operational ones.

The Guardian

That leaves a lot of outstretched empty hands, many of which belong to former customers.

The New York Times

The only issue, he said, was which powers are federal and which belong to the state.

The New York Times

Prints collected at the scene, which belong to neither man, were never tested.

Independent

A particularly bizarre pattern is found in the stylopids, which belong to the order Strepsiptera.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If you give back the Falkland Islands which belong to us, you will get my vote".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which belong" to clearly indicate that certain items or members are part of a specific group or category, especially when providing additional information about that group.

Common error

Avoid using "that" instead of "which" in non-restrictive clauses (clauses that add extra information but aren't essential to the sentence's meaning). "Which" is generally preferred in these cases, preceded by a comma. For example, 'The books, which belong to the library, are overdue' is correct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which belong" functions as a relative clause, specifically a non-restrictive (or non-essential) clause, introducing additional information about the noun it modifies. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

23%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which belong" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to introduce non-restrictive clauses that provide additional information about a noun. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in English writing. Its usage spans various contexts, from scientific literature to news articles, with a neutral register making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Remember to use "which" with a comma in non-restrictive clauses and consider alternatives like "that are part of" when a more direct phrasing is needed. Pay attention to the difference between "which" and "that" to avoid common grammatical errors, and this will ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that are part of

This alternative uses a more direct phrasing to indicate inclusion within a group or category.

that pertain to

This option suggests a relevance or connection to a particular subject or area.

associated with

Focuses on the connection or relationship between items or concepts.

that fall under

Implies categorization or classification within a specific group.

that are classified as

Emphasizes the act of categorization according to certain criteria.

attributed to

This alternative shows the origin of an element from a source or cause.

that have membership in

A more formal way of expressing belonging to a group.

connected to

This indicates an association or relationship, possibly broader than direct belonging.

that are affiliated with

Indicates a formal association, often used for organizations or institutions.

linked to

Suggests a connection or relationship, potentially less direct than belonging.

FAQs

How can I use "which belong" in a sentence?

Use "which belong" to introduce a relative clause that provides additional, non-essential information about the items or concepts being discussed. For example: "The artifacts, "which belong" to the museum, are very old."

What are some alternatives to "which belong"?

You can use alternatives like "that are part of", "that pertain to", or "associated with" depending on the specific context.

When should I use "which belong" versus "that belong"?

"Which belong" is typically used in non-restrictive clauses, providing extra information. "That belong" is used in restrictive clauses, which are essential to the sentence's meaning. Example: "The books that belong to the library must be returned" (restrictive) vs. "The books, "which belong" to the library, are very old" (non-restrictive).

Is "which belongs" grammatically correct?

Yes, "which belongs" is grammatically correct. Use "which belongs" when referring to a singular noun. For example: "The book, "which belongs" to her, is a first edition."