which is believed

USAGE SUMMARY

"which is believed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a clause which explains a belief held by someone. For example: "Earth is believed to be over 4.5 billion years old, which is believed to make it the oldest known planet in the Solar System."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Koi herpesvirus (KHV), which is believed to be an emerging virus, causes fatal diseases in carps.

Veterinary Microbiology

It is this out-of-plane action which is believed to set-off the flipping mechanism.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Yerewoloton is a citizen's movement, which is believed to be backed by the junta.

Independent

Yet it is the army which is believed to have persuaded Mr Ben Ali to leave.

The Economist

It was this faction which is believed to have launched the 4 October attack.

The Guardian

This bomber managed to get closer to the general's car, which is believed to be armored.

The New York Times

Organon is in trials with a treatment called tibolone, which is believed to increase desire.

The New York Times - Magazine

However Bet365, which is believed to have laid the bet, takes a different approach.

The Guardian - Sport

In addition, the species root system is superficial and tentacular, which is believed to contribute to landslides.

Columbia University

Inhibitors of CETP have demonstrated pharmacodynamic efficacy in the elevation of HDL cholesterol, which is believed to be protective for atherosclerosis, and in the reduction of LDL cholesterol, which is believed to be atherogenic.

Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry III

Purpose: Many knees exhibit residual ligament laxity after posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction, which is believed to be technique related.

Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which is believed", verify the belief is reasonably widespread or supported by credible sources to avoid misrepresenting the consensus.

Common error

Avoid using "which is believed" to present personal opinions or unsupported assertions as widely accepted truths. Always ensure there is a reasonable basis for the belief being referenced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is believed" functions as a relative clause introducing additional, non-essential information about a preceding noun phrase. It indicates a common or accepted belief. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

37%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which is believed" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a clause that explains a common belief or assumption. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is particularly prevalent in scientific and news-related contexts, offering a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When using this phrase, ensure that the belief is reasonably supported to maintain credibility and avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives such as "that is considered" or "that is thought to be" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is accepted

Focuses on widespread agreement or validation.

that is thought to be

Indicates a general opinion or informal belief.

that is understood

Highlights a shared or common knowledge.

that is considered

Emphasizes a formal assessment or judgment.

that is anticipated

Suggests an expectation or prediction about something.

that is presumed

Suggests an assumption made in the absence of concrete proof.

that is deemed

Implies a formal decision or authoritative judgment.

that is posited

Implies a formal assertion or hypothesis.

that is alleged

Highlights an unproven claim or accusation.

that is rumored

Indicates information based on unofficial sources or hearsay.

FAQs

How can I use "which is believed" in a sentence?

Use "which is believed" to add a clause that explains a widely held belief or assumption related to the subject of your sentence. For example: "The artifact, "which is believed" to be of ancient origin, was found during the excavation."

What are some alternatives to "which is believed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "that is considered", "that is thought to be", or "that is understood".

Is it always necessary to cite a source when using "which is believed"?

While not always mandatory, citing a source can strengthen your statement, especially if the belief is not universally accepted or is subject to debate. This enhances the credibility of your writing.

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

"Which is believed" introduces a nonrestrictive clause, adding extra information. "That is believed" would introduce a restrictive clause, essential to the sentence's meaning. In most cases, "which" is preferred for adding parenthetical information.