which explains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'which explains' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to show how something has been explained in the prior sentence or clause. For example: She did not understand the assignment, which explains why she got an F on the test.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which explains a lot.

Independent

Which explains the sound.

The New York Times - Arts

Which explains the "guarantee".

The New Yorker

Which explains what happened in Sweden.

The New York Times - Magazine

Which explains Africa.

The Guardian - Sport

Which explains the protests.

The Guardian

Which explains all your community work..

The Guardian

Which explains Vogt's second surprise recommendation.

The Washington Post

There is species history, which explains even less.

The New Yorker

Which explains why it is becoming increasingly common.

The Economist

The label is Swiss, which explains its efficiency.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which explains" to seamlessly connect a cause or reason to its effect, creating a smooth and logical flow in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "that explains" instead of "which explains" when the information is non-restrictive and adds extra detail to the sentence. "Which" is typically used for non-essential clauses, while "that" is used for essential clauses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which explains" functions as a relative clause introducing additional, non-essential information that clarifies the reason or cause behind a preceding statement. It adds context and provides a causal link. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which explains" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a relative clause that clarifies or provides a reason for something. It’s most common in News & Media contexts, as shown by Ludwig's analysis. When using this phrase, ensure it introduces non-essential information. Alternatives like "that clarifies" or "that accounts for" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, mainly to show how something has been explained in the prior sentence or clause.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which clarifies the reason

By adding "the reason", it specifies the specific purpose or cause behind the explanation.

that clarifies

This alternative focuses on the clarification aspect rather than a direct explanation.

that elucidates

This emphasizes the act of making something clearer or easier to understand.

that sheds light on

This phrase suggests providing insight or understanding about a particular subject.

that offers an explanation for

This is a more formal and elaborate way of saying "which explains".

that accounts for

This highlights the aspect of providing a reason or justification for something.

that gives a reason for

This directly states the provision of a reason, making it very explicit.

this clarifies

Uses "this" to refer to the previously stated fact, making the sentence sound less formal and more direct.

this elucidates

Uses "this" to pinpoint to the fact previously expressed and make it easier to understand. It's slightly more formal than the query itself.

that rationalizes

This suggests that something is being made reasonable or justifiable.

FAQs

How do I use "which explains" in a sentence?

Use "which explains" to introduce a non-restrictive clause that provides a reason or clarification for something mentioned earlier in the sentence. For example: "The weather was terrible, "which explains" why nobody went to the beach."

What can I say instead of "which explains"?

You can use alternatives like "that clarifies", "that elucidates", or "that accounts for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "that explains" instead of "which explains"?

While "that explains" might be understood, ""which explains"" is generally preferred when introducing a non-restrictive clause that adds extra information.

What's the difference between "which explains" and "because"?

"Which explains" is used to introduce a relative clause that provides additional information or clarification, while "because" is a conjunction used to directly state a reason or cause. "She was late, "which explains" her nervousness" versus "She was nervous because she was late".