which is that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which is that" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to introduce a direct quotation, usually in conversation. For example: He said that he would be willing to help, which is that "I'm happy to do whatever I can to assist with the project".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

ATKINS -- It's that enthusiasm, which is that thing about America.

The New York Times

None questioned the essential premise of the report, which is that numbers matter.

The New York Times

But they're very good students of what they've been taught, which is that men make knowledge.

The New Yorker

The point of all of which is that jewelry is never an investment.

Vice

STRP's exhibition presented nine of his intriguing works, one of which is that nightmare above.

Vice

It's also in keeping with a central tenet of acupuncture, which is that change is good.

Huffington Post

This title highlights the recurring theme in all defence theories, which is that defence is costly.

BMC Genomics

Best of which is that it's cheaper.

The Guardian - Business

"Which is that you haven't a clue".

The Guardian - Opinion

KGM: Which is that there's no relationship.

Independent

Which is? "That there are too many immigrants".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the clause following "which is that" directly relates to and clarifies the preceding statement. Avoid using it to introduce unrelated or tangential information.

Common error

Avoid using "which is that" to introduce information that doesn't directly clarify the preceding statement. This can lead to confusion and disrupt the flow of your writing. Ensure a clear and logical connection between the two clauses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is that" functions as a connector, specifically used to introduce a clause that explains or clarifies a previous statement. It serves to provide additional information, definition, or context, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "which is that" is a grammatically correct connector used to introduce explanatory clauses. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to clarify preceding statements and enhance understanding. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy or introducing unrelated information. Alternatives such as "that is to say" or "namely" can be considered for stylistic variation. Overall, "which is that" is a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in other words

Provides an alternative way to rephrase something for clarity.

that is to mean

Similar to "that is to say", but emphasizes the intended meaning.

that is to say

Replaces "which is" with a more direct introductory phrase.

what I'm saying is

Clarifies the speaker's intended message or argument.

what this means is

Draws attention to the significance of the subsequent explanation.

that means

Focuses on the implication or consequence of a statement.

put another way

Suggests a different perspective or phrasing of the same idea.

the point is

Emphasizes the central or most important aspect of a statement.

namely

Offers a more concise way to introduce specific details or examples.

specifically

Highlights a particular aspect or detail.

FAQs

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

The phrase "which is that" is used to introduce a clarification or explanation of a preceding statement. For example, "The main problem is funding, which is that without enough money, the project can't move forward."

What are some alternatives to using "which is that"?

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

Is it always necessary to use "that" after "which is"?

While grammatically correct, the use of "that" after "which is" isn't always necessary. Omitting "that" can sometimes make the sentence flow more smoothly, but including it adds emphasis to the explanation.

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

The phrase "which is that" is used to introduce a more detailed explanation or restatement, whereas "which is" can simply add descriptive information. Compare: "The car, which is red, is fast" versus "The problem, which is that it won't start, is a major concern".