which identifies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which identifies" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to specify or clarify something that serves to identify a particular subject or object in a sentence. Example: "The document, which identifies the key stakeholders, is essential for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of which identifies the minimum allowable pre-released threshold.

Journal of Hydrology

She meant an Olympic Development Program, which identifies the top young players in the country.

The New York Times - Sports

"We trust the mechanism already in place which identifies travelers from Asia at airports or ports".

The New York Times

Legitimate transactions require a document called an "end-user certificate," which identifies the buyer.

The New Yorker

A sideways approach works better, as with The Wanderer, which identifies the hero's restless nature.

The Guardian - Books

She said she drew her list from the book, which identifies victims as of spring 2003.

The New York Times

"In each disease, there is a specific sequence which identifies that RNA.

MIT Technology Review

Ordering them in this fashion gives CASSATT CYMBAL GAL, which identifies the famous painting THE BACCHANTE.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The most important part of your introduction is the road map, which identifies those elements.

Stanford University

This is smaller than the group which identifies as "other" – 61 individuals.

The Guardian

Version 2.0 also introduces a convenient security dashboard, which identifies reused and weak passwords.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which identifies" to add non-essential information about a noun already clearly defined in the sentence. Ensure the clause is set off with commas.

Common error

Avoid using "that identifies" when you need a nonrestrictive clause (a clause that adds extra information but isn't essential to the sentence's meaning). "Which identifies", set off by commas, is correct for nonrestrictive clauses, whereas "that identifies" is for restrictive clauses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which identifies" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun and providing additional information about it. Ludwig examples show it commonly introduces a clause describing the identifying characteristic or function of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which identifies" is a versatile phrase used to introduce nonrestrictive clauses that provide additional, non-essential information about a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts like news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, remember to set off the entire clause with commas and to differentiate it from the restrictive "that identifies". By understanding its function and appropriate usage, you can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that specifies

Focuses on providing detailed information about a particular subject, differing from simply identifying it.

that designates

Implies assigning a role or function, which is more specific than just identifying.

that determines

Suggests a process of finding out or establishing something, which goes beyond mere identification.

that pinpoints

Emphasizes accuracy and precision in locating or identifying something.

that characterizes

Highlights the distinctive features that define something, adding a layer of description beyond identification.

that distinguishes

Emphasizes setting apart or differentiating something from others, which is a more comparative action than identifying.

that labels

Focuses on giving a name or tag, which can be less detailed than identifying the attributes of something.

that reveals

Implies uncovering something previously unknown, which is a more active discovery than identifying.

that classifies

Suggests putting something into a category, adding a level of organization beyond simple identification.

that defines

Focuses on the meaning and scope of something, providing a more comprehensive understanding than identifying alone.

FAQs

How do I properly use "which identifies" in a sentence?

Use "which identifies" to introduce a nonrestrictive clause, adding extra, non-essential information about a noun. Make sure to set off the entire clause with commas. For example: "The report, which identifies key areas for improvement, is now available".

What's the difference between "which identifies" and "that identifies"?

"Which identifies" introduces a nonrestrictive clause providing additional information that isn't essential to the sentence's meaning. "That identifies" introduces a restrictive clause that's crucial for defining the noun it modifies. Example: "The document that identifies the buyer is required" vs. "The document, which identifies the buyer, was recently updated".

What can I say instead of "which identifies"?

You can use alternatives like "that specifies", "that designates", or "that determines" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "who identifies" instead of "which identifies"?

No, use "who identifies" when referring to people. Use "which identifies" when referring to things, concepts, or groups. For example, "The analyst who identifies market trends is highly valued" vs. "The software, which identifies security threats, is essential".