which is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a clause that provides additional information about a noun in a sentence. For example: "Chocolate cake is my favorite dessert, which is why I always order it when I go out for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Which is?

Independent

"Which is our auction, which is silent.

The New Yorker

But which is best?

The New York Times - Food

Which is cobblers.

Independent

"Which is depressing, too".

The New York Times

Which is totally common.

The New Yorker

Which is wonderful.

The Guardian - Tech

Which is terrifying.

The New York Times

Which is silly.

The Economist

Which is quite new.

The New York Times

Which is maddening.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which is", ensure it follows a comma or is enclosed within commas to properly set off the non-essential clause.

Common error

Avoid using "that is" when you should be using "which is". "That" introduces essential clauses, while "which" introduces non-essential clauses that add extra information. Incorrect: The car that is blue is mine. Correct: The car, which is blue, is mine.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is" functions as a relative clause introducer, connecting a subordinate clause to a main clause. This subordinate clause typically provides additional, non-essential information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and correct construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "which is" serves as a versatile tool for adding non-essential, descriptive information to sentences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains, particularly in news and media. When using "which is", remember to set it off with commas, distinguishing it from "that is", which introduces essential information. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively enhance your writing with precise and descriptive details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is

More formal alternative, often used to introduce a clarification or explanation.

namely

Used to specify or identify something more precisely.

that's to say

Introduces a rephrasing or clarification of a previous statement.

i.e.

Abbreviation for 'id est', meaning 'that is' or 'in other words'.

in other words

Signals a restatement of something in simpler terms.

which means

Indicates a consequence or implication of the preceding statement.

that implies

Highlights a logical consequence or suggestion.

this indicates

Suggests a piece of information points to a particular conclusion.

and that is

Adds emphasis to the connection between two parts of a statement.

to be specific

Introduces more detailed or precise information.

FAQs

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

Use "which is" to introduce a non-essential clause, providing additional but not crucial information. For example, "My house, which is located downtown, is very old."

What can I say instead of "which is"?

You can use alternatives like "that is", "namely", or "in other words" depending on the context.

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

"Which is" introduces non-essential information and is set off by commas, whereas "that is" introduces essential information and is not set off by commas. For example, "The book, which is about history, is interesting" versus "The book that is required reading is expensive."

Is it always necessary to use a comma before "which is"?

Yes, a comma is typically needed before "which is" when it introduces a non-restrictive (non-essential) clause. However, if the clause is essential to the sentence's meaning, you should use "that is" without a comma.