which can be sold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which can be sold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an item or product that is available for sale or has the potential to be sold. Example: "The company has developed a new line of products, each of which can be sold online or in retail stores."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Bees create honey, which can be sold on the market.

The Economist

A cheap yuan has also favoured manufactured items, which can be sold abroad, over services, which often cannot be.

The Economist

The final waste product is mineral ash, which can be sold for use in the construction industry.

The New York Times

A property tax raises revenue year after year, in contrast to a land lease, which can be sold only once.

The Economist

In the developing world it can earn UN-backed carbon credits, which can be sold to governments or firms that must reduce their emissions under the Kyoto protocol.

The Economist

Treads Motor City sandals, which can be sold to the public, but will be produced by Ms. Fowler's constituents, giving them yet another income stream.

The New York Times

The regulations for "UCITS" funds, which can be sold over the whole European Union, might be changed to include some of the proposed limits.

The New York Times

All of the weapons were originally blank-firing gas handguns which can be sold legally for about £100 in some countries.

Independent

After water quenches the gas in the Hurlburt system, stripping processes produce sodium bisulfate and hydrochloric acid, which can be sold, Mr. Robau said.

The New York Times - Science

In this new game players can also combine produce to cook pies and other valuable goods, which can be sold for virtual money that can be reinvested.

The New York Times - Arts

More than a decade of strict currency controls have left Venezuelans desperate for dollars, which can be sold – illegally – for seven times their official rate of 6.3 bolivars.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which can be sold" to clearly indicate the potential for an item or asset to be exchanged for value. Ensure the context clarifies who can sell it and under what conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "that" when "which" is required. "Which" introduces a nonrestrictive clause, adding extra information but not essential to the sentence's meaning. For example: "The product, which can be sold online, is also available in stores."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which can be sold" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or noun phrase by providing additional information about its potential marketability or the possibility of its exchange for value. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "which can be sold" is a versatile relative clause commonly used to describe the marketability or commercial potential of a noun. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure you use "which" for nonrestrictive clauses and be mindful of comma placement. Alternatives such as "that is marketable" or "that is salable" can offer similar meanings. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the potential for an item or asset to be exchanged for value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is salable

Highlights the quality of being easy or likely to be sold.

that is marketable

Emphasizes the characteristic of being appealing and likely to sell.

that can be marketed

Highlights the action of promoting and selling the item.

that is available for purchase

Focuses on immediate availability rather than potential for sale.

suitable for sale

Indicates appropriateness and readiness for being sold.

offered for sale

Suggests a current state of being presented to potential buyers.

which are available to buy

Focuses on current availability and the act of buying.

that is commercially viable

Implies the item is able to generate profit when sold.

that can be commercialized

Highlights the potential to be developed and sold on a large scale.

that can be traded

Implies an exchange or transaction, not necessarily for money.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "which can be sold"?

Alternatives include "that is marketable", "that is salable", or "suitable for sale", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is there a difference between "which can be sold" and "that can be sold"?

"Which can be sold" typically introduces a nonrestrictive clause, providing additional information that isn't essential to the core meaning of the sentence. "That can be sold" introduces a restrictive clause that is essential for identifying the item being discussed. Consider whether the clause is necessary for defining the subject.

Can "which can be sold" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "which can be sold" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. It's a clear and grammatically correct way to describe something that has the potential for sale. Its use depends on the specific context and intended meaning.

What is a common mistake when using "which can be sold"?

A frequent error is misusing commas. When "which can be sold" introduces a nonrestrictive clause, it requires a comma before "which". If the clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence (restrictive), no comma is needed.