which is often

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'which is often' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce additional information about a subject or point in a sentence, or to explain the frequency of a certain action. For example: I like to eat at home, which is often the case for me on weekends.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which is often not too well.

The New York Times

Which is often.

The New York Times - Magazine

Which is often the way.

The Guardian - Sport

It's mainly porridge, which is often uncooked..

The New Yorker

All of which is often true.

The Guardian - Books

It's mainly porridge, which is often uncooked.

The New Yorker

She can sing, which is often very helpful.

The New York Times

Which is often wonderful, evidently authentic and very reasonably priced.

The New York Times - Travel

"When he's on, which is often, you're at his mercy".

The New York Times - Sports

When she snivels, which is often, he provides the handkerchief.

The Guardian - Books

Domestic violence is a complex issue, which is often misunderstood.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which is often" to add non-essential, descriptive information. Ensure the sentence remains grammatically correct if the clause is removed.

Common error

Avoid substituting "that" for "which" when introducing a non-restrictive clause. "Which" is correct when the clause provides additional, but not essential, information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is often" functions as a relative clause, specifically a non-restrictive (or non-essential) clause. It provides additional information about the noun or noun phrase it modifies, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Huffington Post

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

The New York Times

1%

The Guardian

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which is often" is a grammatically sound and commonly used relative clause that introduces additional, non-essential information. According to Ludwig, it is versatile and appropriate for a variety of writing styles. Its prevalence in news, media, and scientific publications indicates its broad applicability. When using this phrase, remember to ensure the clause it introduces is non-restrictive and that alternative phrasing is considered to avoid repetition. Ludwig provides numerous examples of how to effectively incorporate "which is often" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which frequently occurs

Emphasizes the repeated or habitual nature of the occurrence.

which is generally the case

Highlights that something is usually true or typical.

that commonly happens

Focuses on the habitual or usual occurrence of an event.

as is usually the situation

Implies that a condition or circumstance is the normal state of affairs.

something that regularly takes place

Stresses the consistent and predictable nature of an event.

something that tends to be

Indicates a common inclination or tendency.

which typically unfolds

Focuses on the standard or expected progression of events.

that tends to happen

Suggests a natural propensity or likelihood.

something you see frequently

Highlights the observable or noticeable regularity of an occurrence.

that crops up a lot

Suggests that something happens repeatedly or with a high frequency.

FAQs

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

Use "which is often" to introduce a non-essential clause that provides additional information about a subject. For example: "He enjoys reading, "which is often" a solitary activity."

What are some alternatives to "which is often"?

You can use alternatives like "which frequently occurs", "which is generally the case", or "that commonly happens" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "which is often"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "which is often" can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider varying your sentence structure and using alternative phrases to enhance readability.

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

"Which is often" introduces a non-restrictive clause, meaning the information is additional but not essential to the sentence's core meaning. Using "that is often" in place of "which is often" is grammatically incorrect when introducing a non-restrictive clause.