which is caused by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which is caused by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to explain the reason or cause of a particular situation or phenomenon. Example: "The increase in temperature, which is caused by global warming, has led to significant changes in weather patterns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Initially, avian cholera, which is caused by bacteria, was suspected.

The New York Times

Watch out for: The commonest illness here is diarrhoea, which is caused by poor food hygiene.

The Guardian - Travel

For example, vaccinia virus is used to prevent smallpox, which is caused by variola virus.

The New York Times

The diagnosis was cholecystitis, which is caused by the presence of gallstones.

The New York Times - Sports

Leprosy, which is caused by bacteria, was one of the 10 diseases.

The New York Times - Health

Monkeypox, which is caused by a virus similar to smallpox, turned out to be one of his next challenges.

The New York Times - Health

These are all typical symptoms of FASD, which is caused by the mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

The Guardian

Ventilator-associated pneumonia, which is caused by bacteria in breathing tubes and can also be fatal, declined by 78percentt.

The New York Times

Merck donates Ivermectin for river blindness; Bayer gives Praziquantel for schistosomiasis, which is caused by liver flukes.

The New York Times

Health officials believe cooling towers are the most likely source of the outbreak, which is caused by the legionella bacterium.

The Guardian

Diarrhea — nearly 90percentt of which is caused by fecally contaminated food or water — kills a child every 15 seconds".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which is caused by", ensure that the "which" refers clearly to the immediately preceding noun or noun phrase to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid separating "which is caused by" too far from the noun it modifies. A misplaced modifier can lead to confusion about what is actually being caused. For example, instead of 'The accident, which is caused by speeding, was a tragedy,' write 'The accident, which was caused by speeding, was a tragedy'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is caused by" functions as a causal connector, introducing a relative clause that explains the reason or origin of a particular event, condition, or phenomenon. It provides additional information about the cause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which is caused by" is a causal connector used to provide explanations or reasons for various events, conditions, or phenomena. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse sources, including news, science, and encyclopedias. To use it effectively, ensure clear reference to the preceding noun and avoid misplaced modifiers. Consider alternatives like "due to" or "resulting from" for conciseness. By following these guidelines, you can enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

due to

A simpler, more direct way to express causation.

that is brought about by

Changes the verb and slightly rephrases the structure while maintaining a formal tone.

resulting from

Uses a participial phrase for a more concise expression of causation.

stemming from

Emphasizes the origin or source of the cause.

attributable to

Indicates that something can be credited or blamed on a specific cause.

generated by

Implies that the cause has actively produced or created the effect.

as a consequence of

Highlights the resulting effect of a particular cause.

prompted by

Indicates that the cause initiated or triggered the effect.

triggered by

Focuses on the cause as an initiator of a sudden or rapid effect.

occasioned by

Suggests that the cause has created the specific circumstance or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "which is caused by" in a sentence?

Use "which is caused by" to add extra information about the cause of something. For example, "The delay, which is caused by technical issues, will last for an hour".

What are some alternatives to "which is caused by"?

You can use alternatives such as "due to", "resulting from", or "stemming from" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "which is caused by" or can I use a simpler construction?

In many cases, a simpler construction is preferable for clarity and conciseness. Instead of "The problem, which is caused by a software bug, is being addressed", you could say "The problem is due to a software bug".

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

"Which is caused by" introduces a non-restrictive clause, adding extra information. "That is caused by" introduces a restrictive clause, essential for defining the noun. For example, "The damage, which is caused by the storm, is extensive" vs. "The damage that is caused by the storm is extensive".