which dates from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which dates from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the origin or starting point of something, often referring to a specific time or period. Example: "The manuscript, which dates from the 15th century, provides valuable insights into medieval literature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Travel

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Seljavallalaug (free entry), which dates from 1923, is more basic.

The Guardian - Travel

Michael and Gudula, which dates from the 11th century.

The New York Times

The drawing, which dates from 1514-16, is estimated at $7.2 million.

The New York Times - Arts

They will retain the traditional acorn shape, which dates from the gaslight era.

The New York Times

Victories never come easy in this storied rivalry, which dates from 1875.

The New York Times - Sports

Hilversumsche, which dates from 1910, is less than half an hour's drive north of Utrecht.

The New York Times - Travel

"Touring Jubilee 1924 (Professional)," which dates from 1982, evoked old vaudeville shows.

The New York Times - Arts

From 2003 to 2009, the luxury resort, which dates from 1778, lost $90 million.

The New York Times

"Treading," which dates from 1979, immediately established Elisa Monte as a choreographer worth watching.

The New York Times - Arts

That narrowed the edge of Cambridge to 72-69 in the series which dates from 1829.

The New York Times - Sports

We start off with a peek inside the pub, which dates from the 1700s.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which dates from" to clearly and concisely indicate the origin or time period of an object, custom, or institution, providing historical context.

Common error

Avoid using "since" when you mean "from" to indicate a specific starting point. "Since" refers to a duration of time, whereas "from" points to a particular time or event. For example, use "The tradition which dates from the 18th century" instead of "The tradition which dates since the 18th century".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which dates from" functions as a relative clause introducing additional information about the noun it modifies. Ludwig AI examples confirm its common use in providing historical context or origin information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

14%

Travel

7%

Less common in

Arts

7%

Wiki

5%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which dates from" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to provide historical context or specify the origin of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various types of writing, including news articles, encyclopedias, and travel guides. While alternatives like "that originates from" or "that comes from" exist, "which dates from" offers a concise and effective way to introduce relative clauses related to time and origin. Be mindful of the subtle difference in emphasis between "since" and "from" to avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that originates from

Replaces "dates from" with "originates from", emphasizing the source or beginning rather than the time.

that has its origins in

More formally indicates where something started or derived from.

that comes from

Uses a more common and simpler verb, "comes", making it slightly less formal.

that is derived from

Stresses the derivation or source material of something.

that began in

Focuses on the start time, replacing "dates from" with a specific starting point.

that traces back to

Highlights the historical path or ancestry of something.

that emerged in

Emphasizes the appearance or development of something at a particular time.

that is rooted in

Implies a deep connection or foundation in a particular time or place.

that was established in

Highlights the act of setting up or creating something at a specific time.

that has existed since

Focuses on the duration and continued presence since a certain time.

FAQs

How do I use "which dates from" in a sentence?

Use "which dates from" to introduce a relative clause that specifies the origin or time period of a noun. For example, "The building, which dates from the 18th century, is now a museum".

What can I say instead of "which dates from"?

You can use alternatives like "that originates from", "that comes from", or "that began in" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "which dates back to" instead of "which dates from"?

Yes, "which dates back to" is a valid alternative to "which dates from". Both phrases indicate the origin or time period of something, but "dates back to" emphasizes the historical connection.

What's the difference between "which dates from" and "that dates from"?

"Which" introduces nonrestrictive clauses, adding extra information, while "that" introduces restrictive clauses, essential for identifying the noun. For example, "The house, which dates from 1850, is being renovated" (extra information). "The house that dates from 1850 is being renovated" (identifying which house).