which developed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which developed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that has evolved or come into existence as a result of a process or series of events. Example: "The theory, which developed over several decades, has changed the way we understand the universe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Before joining Google, Bradley led Yahoo's advanced development division, which developed new products such as Yahoo!

TechCrunch

The gaming giant recently bought Dextrose AG, which developed an HTML5-based development engine.

TechCrunch

Hamid Kehazaei contracted cellulitis, which developed into septicemia on Manus.

The Guardian

Created "methode orale," which developed into "French in Action".

The New York Times

A neat idea, which developed in performance not a jot.

The Guardian

In 2000 Zaffaroni launched Alexza Pharmaceuticals, which developed Adasuve.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Moore, 72, was a co-founder of Intel, which developed the microprocessor.

The New York Times

Qualcomm has been working with Google, which developed the Android operating system for cellphones.

The New York Times - Tech

Those efforts resulted in the creation of Hezbollah, which developed under Iranian guidance.

The New Yorker

Tells about the club system which developed to get around the laws.

The New Yorker

An animal which developed muscles or a long neck would pass these on to its offspring.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which developed" to clearly indicate a process of growth, evolution, or creation over time. Ensure the clause provides essential information about the subject.

Common error

Avoid substituting "which" with "that" when the clause provides additional, non-essential information. "Which" is generally preferred for non-restrictive clauses, while "that" introduces restrictive clauses that are crucial to the sentence's meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which developed" functions as a relative clause, modifying a preceding noun or noun phrase. It introduces additional, non-essential information about the noun. As confirmed by Ludwig, this construction is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which developed" is a grammatically correct and very common relative clause used to provide additional context or information about a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions to expand descriptions, offering details about growth, evolution, or creation. Its usage spans multiple registers, most frequently appearing in news and scientific sources, making it a versatile tool for clear and comprehensive writing. When employing "which developed", ensure it's used in non-restrictive clauses and consider alternatives like "that evolved" or "that emerged" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that evolved

Emphasizes a gradual change and progression over time.

that originated

Focuses on the point of origin or commencement rather than the process of development.

that emerged

Similar to 'arose', but can also imply a more gradual coming into view.

that arose

Highlights the emergence or sudden appearance of something.

that was created

Highlights the act of creation rather than the process of development.

that was formed

Implies a structured coming into being.

that stemmed from

Indicates that something is a consequence or result of something else.

that was designed

Suggests a specific intention or plan behind the development.

that germinated

Suggests an initial period of growth and sprouting.

that matured

Stresses the reaching of full development or completion.

FAQs

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

Use "which developed" to introduce a non-restrictive clause that provides additional information about a noun. For example, "The software, "which developed" rapidly, became a global standard".

What are some alternatives to using "which developed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that evolved", "that emerged", or "that arose", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "which developed" or "that developed"?

Use "which developed" when the clause is non-restrictive and provides extra information that isn't essential to the sentence's core meaning. "That developed" is more appropriate for restrictive clauses that are necessary to define the noun.

What's the difference between "which developed" and "which was developed"?

"Which developed" implies a process or natural progression, while "which was developed" suggests a deliberate or intentional act of creation. Choose the phrase that best reflects the context of your sentence.