which demands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which demands" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a clause that specifies a requirement or expectation related to a subject mentioned earlier in the sentence. Example: "The project, which demands a high level of collaboration, requires all team members to communicate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which demands a European-wide response.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it is her voice which demands attention.

Independent

"This is a time which demands stable majority government".

The Guardian

The ambiguity, which demands a double take, is deliberate.

The Guardian - Arts

For it's a book which demands repeated use.

The Guardian - Books

This appeases public opinion, which demands robust anti-terrorism action.

The Guardian - Opinion

Valerius disagreed: To a child, "sick" means physical illness which demands family members stay nearby.

The New York Times

"The state's deficit has gotten worse, which demands immediate and dramatic action," Mr. Sampson said.

The New York Times

Air-conditioning which demands tremendous flow of water, is one of greatest industrial uses.

The New Yorker

This faction believes that the national debt poses a serious threat which demands austerity policies.

The New York Times

And much of the choral work, which demands precision, is hazy and ragged.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which demands", ensure the clause is nonrestrictive and adds extra information that isn't essential to the sentence's core meaning. Use commas to set off the "which demands" clause.

Common error

A common mistake is using "which demands" when "that demands" is more appropriate. Use "that" for essential clauses that define the noun, and "which" for nonessential clauses that add extra information. If the clause is essential, use "that demands" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which demands" functions as a relative clause, specifically a nonrestrictive clause, that modifies a noun phrase by adding extra, non-essential information about it. Ludwig examples show it connecting a subject with a requirement or consequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which demands" is a grammatically correct relative clause used to introduce a nonrestrictive element specifying a requirement or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. When writing, remember to use "which" for nonessential clauses and "that" for essential ones. Consider alternatives such as "that requires" for simpler expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that requires

Replaces "which demands" with a more straightforward expression of requirement.

that necessitates

Emphasizes the inevitability of the demand.

that calls for

Suggests a need for a specific action or quality.

which necessitates

A more formal substitute indicating something is essential.

that stipulates

Implies a condition or requirement set down in an agreement or law.

that obliges

Highlights the binding nature of the requirement.

which dictates

Suggests a command or authoritative requirement.

that compels

Indicates a forceful requirement.

that mandates

Emphasizes an official or legal requirement.

which compels

Indicates an element of enforcement to meet a need.

FAQs

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

Use "which demands" to introduce a nonrestrictive clause that adds extra, non-essential information about a noun. For example, "The project, which demands a high level of collaboration, requires all team members to communicate effectively."

What are some alternatives to "which demands"?

You can use alternatives like "that requires", "that necessitates", or "that calls for depending on the context.

When should I use "that demands" instead of "which demands"?

Use "that demands" for essential clauses that define or restrict the noun. "Which demands" is used for nonessential clauses that add extra information. If the clause is essential to the sentence's meaning, use "that demands".

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "which demands"?

No, "which demands" should not start a sentence. It introduces a relative clause that modifies a noun phrase already mentioned in the sentence. Starting a sentence this way would result in a fragment or grammatical error. Ensure there is a clear subject to which "which demands" refers back to.