which can prevent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which can prevent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing measures or actions that have the ability to stop or hinder something from occurring. Example: "Implementing strict safety protocols is essential, as it is a measure which can prevent accidents in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This new $200m in funding … will go to life-saving programs, from housing to treatment and prevention, to access to PrEP, which can prevent new infections," Louie said.

The Guardian

Chairs which can prevent these effects can thus be beneficial in the prevention of spinal pain.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Their proponents say they save money because they focus on prevention and prompt attention to emerging problems, which can prevent costly complications.

The New York Times

There are lots of practical­ measures which can prevent this.

The Guardian - Money

With proper checks and balances which can prevent the misuse of power.

The Guardian

Russians are sometimes perceived as being cold, and meetings a little frosty, which can prevent deals.

The Guardian

The otolaryngologist remains a strong proponent of the HPV vaccine, which can prevent the disease.

The Washington Post

This week a slew of BJP loyalists were given posts on the film certification board, which can prevent cinematic releases.

The Guardian

Companions are reassigned every few months, which can prevent either love or hatred from becoming too intense.

The New York Times

When you do water, water thoroughly, and avoid getting water in the sheath, which can prevent flowering.

The New York Times

He is equally dismayed by British libel laws, which can prevent a mafia boss being identified as such.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which can prevent", ensure that the 'which' clearly refers to a specific noun or clause in the preceding sentence to avoid ambiguity. For clarity, consider rephrasing to include the noun directly if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using 'that' in nonrestrictive clauses where 'which' is more appropriate. A nonrestrictive clause adds extra information but is not essential to the sentence's meaning and should be set off with commas. Example: 'The new software update, which can prevent data breaches, is now available.'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which can prevent" typically functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or noun phrase. It specifies the capability of something to avert or hinder an action or event. This is evidenced by examples where it describes features of systems or actions that preclude certain outcomes, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which can prevent" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction for specifying preventive capabilities, according to Ludwig. Predominantly used in science and news contexts, it serves to inform or explain how a subject acts as a safeguard. Remember to use commas correctly with nonrestrictive clauses and consider synonyms to refine your writing. The AI analysis from Ludwig confirms its broad applicability and correctness, making it a valuable tool in your writing arsenal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that helps to avoid

This phrase is simpler and emphasizes avoidance.

that is able to avert

Uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the ability to avert something.

that is meant to mitigate

This phrase highlights the intention to lessen the impact.

that serves to hinder

This option focuses on hindering as a means of prevention.

designed to deter

Focuses on the intent to discourage or deter something.

that has the capacity to preclude

This alternative is more formal and focuses on the ability to preclude.

that works to forestall

Similar in meaning but uses the word 'forestall' for a more sophisticated tone.

with the aim of impeding

Focuses on the intention to impede something.

something that blocks

This is more direct and less formal focusing on the action of blocking.

something that obviates

This is a more formal alternative, using 'obviates' to mean making something unnecessary.

FAQs

How do I use "which can prevent" in a sentence?

Use "which can prevent" to introduce a nonrestrictive clause that provides additional information about a noun or situation, explaining its preventive capability. For example, "The new security system, "which can prevent" unauthorized access, has been installed."

What are some alternatives to "which can prevent"?

Alternatives include "that helps to avoid", "that is designed to deter", or "that serves to hinder". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. For instance, "that helps to avoid" is less formal than "that is designed to deter".

Is it always necessary to use a comma before "which can prevent"?

Yes, it's generally necessary to use a comma before "which can prevent" when it introduces a nonrestrictive clause. A nonrestrictive clause provides extra information that isn't essential to the sentence's core meaning. Omitting the comma can alter the sentence's intended meaning.

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

"Which can prevent" introduces a nonrestrictive clause, while "that can prevent" introduces a restrictive clause. A restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence, whereas a nonrestrictive clause simply adds extra information. Therefore, "which" requires a comma, and "that" does not.