which happens

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which happens" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that occurred in the past or is ongoing. For example: "I have experienced a lot of changes in my life recently, which happens when you move to a new city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Which happens.

The New York Times

Which happens anyway.

The New York Times

Which happens to be true.

The New York Times - Magazine

person (which happens all the time).

The New York Times

Which happens quite often.

The Guardian - Sport

Which happens often.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Aortic valve closure (A2) which happens first.

Stanford University

Pulmonic valve closure (P2) which happens second.

Stanford University

The question is, which happens more?

The Guardian - Music

"We'll see which happens first," he joked.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Which happened to be true".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which happens", ensure that the 'which' clause is nonrestrictive and set off by commas. This indicates that the information is extra and not essential to the sentence's core meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "that happens" instead of "which happens" when introducing nonrestrictive clauses. "Which" is appropriate for clauses that add extra information, while "that" is for essential information. For example, use "The error, which happens occasionally, was quickly fixed", not "The error that happens occasionally was quickly fixed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which happens" functions as a nonrestrictive relative clause, providing additional, non-essential information about a preceding event or situation. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to add supplementary details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

28%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which happens" is a versatile phrase used to introduce nonrestrictive clauses, providing supplementary information about a preceding noun or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for diverse writing styles. Remember to set off the 'which' clause with commas and avoid substituting it with 'that' in nonrestrictive contexts. Alternatives like "that occurs" or "as it turns out" can be used for variety, but "which happens" remains a clear and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that occurs

Focuses on the occurrence of an event or situation, similar to "which happens" but slightly more formal.

this often occurs

Highlights the frequency of an event, emphasizing repetition more than "which happens".

as it turns out

Emphasizes the revealing of a fact or situation, adding a nuance of discovery not present in "which happens".

that is the case

Highlights the truth or reality of a situation, providing a confirmation aspect absent in "which happens".

it is commonplace

Indicates a widespread or ordinary occurrence, focusing on prevalence which is a nuance not present in "which happens".

it is typical

Focuses on the commonality or expected nature of an event, adding a sense of predictability that "which happens" may lack.

such is the reality

Emphasizes the unavoidable or factual nature of a situation, imparting a stronger sense of acceptance than "which happens".

that comes to pass

Implies a fulfillment or realization of something over time, introducing a sense of eventual happening absent in "which happens".

it so transpired

Focuses on the unfolding or development of events, imparting a narrative quality that "which happens" does not necessarily convey.

as fate would have it

Attributes the event to destiny or chance, adding a sense of inevitability not implied by "which happens".

FAQs

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

Use "which happens" to introduce a nonrestrictive clause, adding extra information about a preceding noun or situation. For example, "The software crashed, "which happens" sometimes when the system is overloaded".

What are some alternatives to using "which happens"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "that occurs", "as it turns out", or "this often occurs" to express similar meanings.

Is it correct to say 'that happens' instead of "which happens"?

In nonrestrictive clauses, it's more appropriate to use "which happens". 'That' is generally used for restrictive clauses that are essential to the sentence's meaning. Using 'which' signals that the clause is providing additional, non-essential information.

What's the difference between "which happens" and "which happened"?

"Which happens" refers to a current or recurring event, while "which happened" refers to a specific event in the past. For example, "The meeting, "which happens" every week, is usually productive" versus "The incident, which happened yesterday, caused some concern".