which identify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which identify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to specific elements or features that serve to recognize or distinguish something. Example: "The documents contain several sections which identify the key stakeholders involved in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He proposes to count the defective absentee ballots, but set aside their envelopes, which identify voters.

The New York Times

"All airliners emit identification signals which identify the aircraft and provide other information like altitude and speed.

The Guardian

You will see that the boxes which identify the reason for the referral taking place have been removed.

The Guardian

A system that includes bar-coded bumper stickers, which identify legal parking tenants, will be put in place.

The New York Times

The workers feared that removing the placards, which identify the chemicals being carried, might have endangered their lives.

The New York Times

They are distinct from domain names, which identify Web sites, like nytimes.com.

The New York Times - Tech

All passenger planes flying in European airspace are supposed to have such systems, which identify potential collision courses and issue orders for evasive action.

The New York Times

It's not just the striking names which identify Arnold's films; they tend to be about family dysfunction and wayward lust on claustrophobic housing estates.

The Guardian - Film

The evidence against him rests on witness statements which identify Andrew in contrived and identical language, and which have since been retracted or contradicted.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If the F.B.I. asks, we are ready to supply the I.P. addresses, the logs," he said, referring to internet protocols, which identify a particular web page or device.

The New York Times

Much of the spotlight will be on biometrics systems, which identify travelers by fingerprints, the patterns in their retinas, their voices or other individual characteristics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which identify" in nonrestrictive clauses, adding extra information that is not essential to the sentence's meaning. Always separate these clauses with commas.

Common error

Avoid using "that" in place of "which" when introducing a nonrestrictive clause. "Which" is appropriate for clauses that add extra, non-essential information, while "that" is used for restrictive clauses that are essential to the sentence's meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which identify" functions as a relative clause, introducing additional, non-essential information about a preceding noun. Ludwig AI confirms that this structure is grammatically sound and commonly used. Examples show it connecting descriptions to various subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which identify" serves as a relative clause, offering additional information about a preceding noun. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. When writing, remember to use "which" for nonrestrictive clauses, setting them off with commas, and consider alternatives like "that pinpoint" or "that determine" for nuanced expression. Avoid common errors, such as confusing "which" with "that", to ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which distinguish

Highlights the separation or differentiation from others, adding a contrastive element.

that indicate

Suggests showing or pointing out, differing from directly identifying.

that determine

Highlights the role of establishing or concluding something definitively.

that specify

Focuses on detailed and explicit identification, adding a layer of exactness.

that define

Stresses the aspect of clearly setting out the meaning or scope.

that pinpoint

Emphasizes precise determination, differing from a general identification.

that designate

Implies formally assigning a name or status, conveying a sense of authority.

that characterize

Emphasizes describing the distinctive nature or features.

that reveal

Focuses on uncovering or disclosing something previously unknown.

which delineate

Focuses on marking the boundaries or limits of something precisely.

FAQs

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

Use "which identify" to introduce a nonrestrictive clause that provides additional information about the noun it modifies. For example, "The documents contain several sections "which identify" the key stakeholders involved in the project."

What are some alternatives to "which identify"?

You can use alternatives like "that pinpoint", "that specify", or "that determine" depending on the context.

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

"Which identify" introduces a nonrestrictive clause (additional, non-essential information), while "that identify" introduces a restrictive clause (essential information). Use "which" with commas and "that" without.

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

The correct form depends on the noun the clause modifies. Use "which identify" for plural nouns (e.g., "sections which identify") and "which identifies" for singular nouns (e.g., "section which identifies").