which is greater than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which is greater than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in mathematical or comparative contexts to indicate that one quantity exceeds another. Example: "The total cost of the project, which is greater than the initial budget, will require additional funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At five degrees of separation, you have 10 billion people linked to you, which is greater than the Earth's population.

The Guardian

"The two former big parties have suffered a defeat which is greater than most people had expected".

The New York Times

By the 26th level, 67 million would have been needed, which is greater than the UK's population.

Independent

Excess chloride is excreted in the form of a solution the concentration of which is greater than that of seawater.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The girl's indignation, which is greater than even her fear; the woman's sudden uneasiness; even in this exotic context, the generational conflict of wills rings heart-piercingly true.

The New York Times

But she seemed eager to explore the role that women play in the Vietnamese economy and society, which is greater than in many countries.

The New York Times

"God calls homosexuality an abomination, which is greater than a simple sin," the Rev. Felix Zalimba, pastor of the All for Jesus Church in Blantyre, said Thursday.

The New York Times

There is no doubt that the city's widening income gap, which is greater than the national rate and has been climbing for several years, reflects rising poverty.

The New York Times

Cromartie picked almost 10, but one in particular, rapped by Lil Wayne, seemed to reflect the Jets' confidence in him, which is greater than ever.

The New York Times - Sports

Each term remaining in the sum has a factor of the form (xi  − μ 2, which is greater than or equal to b2.

Encyclopedia Britannica

which is greater than or equal to.

Advances in Difference Equations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing numerical values or measurable quantities, ensure both items being compared are expressed in the same units for clarity and accuracy. For instance, use consistent units of measurement like meters, kilograms, or percentages to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "which is greater than" without specifying what it is being compared to, as this can create ambiguity. Always explicitly state both elements being compared to ensure clear understanding. For example, instead of saying "The cost, which is greater than expected", clarify by stating "The cost, which is greater than the initial estimate, will require additional funding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is greater than" functions as a comparative adjective clause. It modifies a noun or noun phrase by providing additional information about its quantity or size, indicating that it exceeds a certain value or another quantity. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correctness and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which is greater than" is a versatile and grammatically sound comparative clause used to indicate that one quantity or entity exceeds another. According to Ludwig, it is widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in scientific, news-related, and encyclopedic content. While it maintains a neutral register, ensuring clarity and specificity in comparisons is crucial. Remember to avoid incomplete comparisons and specify both values to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives like "that exceeds" or "that surpasses" can be used for stylistic variation, tailoring the language to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which is more than

More conversational and interchangeable in most contexts.

that exceeds

More concise and direct.

that is larger than

Focuses on physical size or quantity.

that surpasses

Implies exceeding by a significant margin.

that is higher than

Suitable for numerical values or hierarchical positions.

that outstrips

Suggests a more dynamic form of exceeding, often in competition or progress.

which is superior to

Implies a higher quality or level of performance.

that is in excess of

More formal and often used in technical or legal contexts.

that transcends

Indicates exceeding in a qualitative, often abstract sense.

that dwarfs

Implies that one thing is much bigger or more significant than another.

FAQs

How can I use "which is greater than" in a sentence?

Use "which is greater than" to compare two values or quantities, indicating that one exceeds the other. For example: "The new budget, "which is greater than" the previous one, allows for more investment in research."

What are some alternatives to using "which is greater than"?

Alternatives include "that exceeds", "that surpasses", or "that is in excess of", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it always necessary to specify both values when using "which is greater than"?

Yes, specifying both values ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The profit, "which is greater than"", specify "The profit, "which is greater than" the target, is a positive sign."

What's the difference between "which is greater than" and "which is more than"?

While both phrases indicate that one value exceeds another, "which is greater than" is typically used for numerical or quantifiable comparisons, whereas "which is more than" can be used more broadly. For example: "The number of applicants, "which is greater than" 1000, is impressive" versus "His generosity, "which is more than" anyone expected, was truly remarkable."