which can have

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'which can have' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a consequence or result of something. For example, "The natural processes of erosion can damage historical artifacts, which can have a lasting effect on how we perceive past cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

which can have particular force in modern legal pedagogy.

Harvard University

I am also a mezzo, which can have its limitations".

The Guardian - Music

None of which can have made for pleasant reading.

The Guardian

They trigger erosion processes, which can have catastrophic consequences.

Biosystems Engineering

It can lead to poor school performance, which can have lifelong consequences.

Harvard University

Stars do not form in isolation, but in clusters which can have thousands of members.

Harvard University

They also screen moms for postpartum depression, which can have dire consequences on children.

Stanford University

The increased scale is observed in datacenters, which can have hundreds of thousands of network devices.

Princeton University

Influential figures are demanding a constitutional convention, which can have unforeseen hazards.

The New York Times

Steroids, which can have serious side effects, dampen the immune system generally.

The New York Times

Finally, the results could be explained by object valuation, which can have a powerful placebo effect.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which can have" to connect a nonrestrictive clause to a main clause, adding extra information about a potential result or effect. For example: 'The new policy includes several controversial provisions, "which can have" significant economic repercussions.'

Common error

Avoid using "that" when "which" is more appropriate. "That" introduces restrictive clauses essential to the sentence's meaning, while "which" introduces nonrestrictive clauses that add extra information. Incorrect: 'The policy that can have negative impacts should be reviewed.' Correct: 'The policy, "which can have" negative impacts, should be reviewed'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which can have" functions as a relative clause, connecting a nonrestrictive clause to a main clause. It introduces additional information regarding potential consequences or effects, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which can have" is a versatile relative clause used to introduce potential consequences or effects. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across a wide spectrum of contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and academic writing. While suitable for neutral registers, it's crucial to use "which" rather than "that" in nonrestrictive clauses to ensure grammatical accuracy. Remember that the key is to employ this phrase to add extra details, not essential definitions, providing nuance and depth to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that may result in

Emphasizes the potential outcome or consequence of something.

potentially causing

Directly indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.

that might lead to

Focuses on the potential progression or direction something could take.

that has the potential to

Emphasizes the inherent capability of something to cause a particular effect.

which may generate

Highlights the creation or production of something as a result.

that carries the consequence of

Focuses on the inevitable outcome or result.

that could produce

Similar to 'generate' but emphasizes the capacity or ability to create.

which is able to

Highlights the ability or capability of something.

with the possibility of

Introduces an element of chance or uncertainty regarding the outcome.

entailing the risk of

Highlights the inherent danger or potential negative consequence.

FAQs

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

Use "which can have" to introduce a nonrestrictive clause that provides additional information about a noun or situation. For instance, "The company implemented a new policy, "which can have" significant effects on employee morale."

What are some alternatives to saying "which can have"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that may result in", "that might lead to", or "potentially causing", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "that can have" instead of "which can have"?

In nonrestrictive clauses, "which can have" is generally preferred. "That can have" is more appropriate for restrictive clauses that are essential to the sentence's meaning. The correct choice depends on whether the clause is essential or merely provides additional information.

What's the difference between "which can have" and "that can have"?

"Which can have" introduces a nonrestrictive clause, adding extra information that isn't crucial to the sentence's core meaning. "That can have" introduces a restrictive clause, essential for defining the noun it modifies. The comma before "which" indicates a nonrestrictive clause; "that" does not use a comma.