which dictates that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which dictates that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a clause that specifies a rule, requirement, or condition that must be followed. Example: "The new policy, which dictates that all employees must clock in by 9 AM, will be enforced starting next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More precise clocks could also enable a closer probing of Einstein's theory of general relativity, which dictates that time flows more slowly under the pull of gravity.

The New York Times - Science

It's called skeuomorphism, a design principle which dictates that a new object incorporates something of the old.

The Guardian

They do so through the "once only" policy, which dictates that no single piece of information should be entered twice.

The New Yorker

Southern European countries have often felt poorly served by the Dublin Regulation, which dictates that the E.U. nations where migrants first arrive are ultimately responsible for them.

The New Yorker

For the Americans, it is the logic of counter-insurgency doctrine, which dictates that Western forces must "protect the population" to isolate the insurgents.

The Economist

But so has the business cycle, which dictates that investment and inventories will, sooner or later, stop falling and start to recover.

The Economist

They also cite his pragmatism, which dictates that if he thinks something does not make sense, he simply moves to reform it.

The New York Times

Professor Andrade said the research tested elaborated intrusion (EI) theory, which dictates that imagery is central to craving and a visual task should therefore decrease it.

The Guardian - Tech

The Grove Society, an alumni organization, posts a strict schedule for the event, which dictates that set-up will start at Friday midnight.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. Curtas, a lawyer, belongs to the old school of restaurant criticism, which dictates that a certain amount of high-end culinary experience is a necessary education.

The New York Times - Food

It's true that it follows the European Union directive which dictates that all biographies must now begin with an account of its subject's funeral.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which dictates that", ensure the 'which' clause refers clearly and unambiguously to the noun or noun phrase it modifies. This avoids confusion and maintains clarity in your writing.

Common error

A frequent error is replacing "which" with "that" unnecessarily. While "that" can sometimes introduce restrictive clauses, "which" is typically used for non-restrictive clauses that add extra information. Incorrect: 'The rule that dictates all employees arrive by 9 AM is new.' Correct: 'The rule, which dictates that all employees arrive by 9 AM, is new.'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which dictates that" functions as a relative clause, adding specific information about a preceding noun or concept. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which dictates that" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a clause specifying a rule, requirement, or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When writing, ensure the 'which' clause clearly refers to its antecedent and consider alternatives like "which stipulates that" or "which mandates that" to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which stipulates that

Replaces "dictates" with "stipulates", indicating a more formal or legal requirement.

which mandates that

Substitutes "dictates" with "mandates", suggesting a stronger, more authoritative command.

which requires that

Replaces "dictates" with "requires", implying a necessity or condition.

that specifies that

This alternative uses a more descriptive verb, focusing on the act of specification rather than command.

that prescribes that

Uses "prescribes" to indicate a rule or action that is officially recommended or imposed.

that determines that

Suggests a strong influence on a decision or outcome, with "determines" showing a conclusive effect.

that lays down that

Uses a phrasal verb to indicate the formal establishment of a rule or regulation.

which governs that

This alternative focuses on the controlling aspect of the rule, rather than its initial establishment.

that controls that

This alternative focuses on the act of controlling, with "controls" showing a conclusive effect.

that regulates that

Uses "regulates" to indicate rules set to supervise the functionality of something.

FAQs

How can I use "which dictates that" in a sentence?

Use "which dictates that" to add a clarifying or defining detail about a preceding noun or idea. For example, "The policy, which dictates that all meetings start on time, aims to improve efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "which dictates that"?

You can use alternatives like "which stipulates that", "which mandates that", or "which requires that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Which dictates that" is generally preferred when providing additional, non-essential information. "That dictates that" is used for essential information defining the noun it modifies; however, in many cases, rephrasing with "which" is clearer and more common.

What's the difference between "which dictates that" and "which implies that"?

"Which dictates that" indicates a rule or command that must be followed, while "which implies that" suggests a logical consequence or conclusion. The first establishes a requirement, while the second indicates an inference.