which has been used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which has been used" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to provide context for an object or idea that is being referenced. For example: "The old typewriter, which has been used for decades, still works."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A small amount, which has been used for various purposes".

The New York Times

In 1986, he published Kovacic's algorithm, which has been used in some mathematical software.

The New York Times

So is faceted glass, which has been used on outdoor stations.

The New York Times - Books

Finally, there is Suramin, made by Bayer, which has been used since 1920, also only against Stage 1.

The New York Times

The drug is cyclophosphamide, or Cytoxan, which has been used for years to treat cancer and some autoimmune disorders.

The New York Times - Health

The panel recommended that a pediatrician's first choice should be amoxicillin, which has been used for years.

The New York Times

"The agency also advises that equipment which has been used for sprouting seeds should be cleaned thoroughly after use.

The Guardian

The Marshall Field's Web site, www.fields.com, which has been used by consumers nationwide, was updated in the spring.

The New York Times

Brennan is an advocate of Obama's greatly expanded drones programme, which has been used to strike suspected Islamist militants abroad.

The Guardian

This certainly is the argument which has been used to oppose calls to means-test child benefit.

The Guardian - Opinion

The dominant approach to science communication, which has been used in climate change communication, is the "deficit model".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which has been used", ensure the antecedent (the noun it refers to) is clear to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of "The tool, which has been used…", specify: "The hammer, which has been used…".

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple clauses with "which has been used". Break down long sentences for better readability. For example, instead of: "The software, which has been used by many companies, which has improved efficiency, is expensive", consider: "Many companies use the software. It has improved their efficiency, but it is expensive."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which has been used" functions as a relative clause, providing additional information about a noun or noun phrase. This construction allows writers to add descriptive details or contextualize the subject being discussed. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which has been used" serves as a versatile relative clause, providing essential or non-essential details about a noun. As highlighted by Ludwig, it frequently appears in science, news, and more formal business contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key, ensuring the antecedent is unmistakable and avoiding overuse in overly complex sentences. While it's grammatically correct and commonly used, substituting with alternatives like "that was utilized" can enhance your writing style. Remember, Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was utilized

A formal alternative, "utilized" implies a practical and efficient use of something.

that has been applied

Highlights the act of putting something to a specific purpose or task.

that was employed

Replaces "which has been used" with a more direct and concise phrasing, emphasizing the action of employing something.

that has been implemented

Focuses on the act of putting something into effect or making it operational.

that was in service

Indicates that something was functional or operational at a certain time.

that has seen service

Suggests a history of use, often in a specific or dedicated capacity.

that has been adopted

Implies that something has been chosen and put into practice or use.

that was operated

Suggests active management or control of something for a specific purpose.

that has been exercised

Highlights the active deployment or utilization of a capability or right.

that has been administered

Focuses on the management or dispensation of something, often in a controlled manner.

FAQs

How can I use "which has been used" in a sentence?

The phrase "which has been used" introduces a relative clause that provides additional information about a noun. For example: "The technique, "which has been used" for decades, is now outdated."

What are some alternatives to "which has been used"?

You can use alternatives such as "that was employed", "that has been implemented", or "that was utilized" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. Each alternative offers a slightly different emphasis on the action of using something.

Is it better to use "that" or "which" in the phrase "which has been used"?

In the phrase ""which has been used"", "which" is generally preferred when introducing non-essential or nonrestrictive clauses, meaning the clause provides additional but not crucial information. If the clause is essential to the sentence's meaning, "that" is more appropriate.

What is the difference between ""which has been used"" and "that was used"?

"Which has been used" typically introduces a nonrestrictive clause, adding extra information that isn't vital to the sentence's core meaning. "That was used" introduces a restrictive clause, essential for identifying the noun it modifies. For example: "The tool that was used broke" versus "The tool, which has been used for years, broke."