which is used

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "which is used" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the purpose for which something is employed, for instance: The kitchen utensil, which is used for straining liquids, is made of metal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Pectin, which is used to gel jellies, is soluble fiber.

The New York Times - Food

That water which is used for agriculture is often contaminated.

The Guardian

Take Joel's "Uptown Girl," which is used in the show.

The New Yorker

The warble contains a hole, which is used for breathing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That will help spur demand for zinc, which is used to coat steel and prevent rust, and copper, which is used in wiring.

The New York Times

He did not refer to highly enriched uranium, which is used in nuclear weapons.

The New York Times

The bacteria took longer to eat away highly crystallised PET, which is used in plastic bottles.

The Guardian

Discretion, which is used in so many other areas, is especially justified here".

The Guardian

"The driving licence is an important official document which is used both here and abroad.

The Guardian

Elizabeth doesn't like the term "narcoguerrillas," which is used to describe the FARC.

The New Yorker

Americans traditionally prefer milk chocolate, which is used in virtually all candy bars.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider active voice alternatives to "which is used" for more concise and direct writing.

Common error

Avoid relying excessively on "which is used" as it can lead to passive constructions. Opt for more direct and active verbs to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is used" primarily functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or noun phrase by providing additional information about its purpose or application. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable structure in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "which is used" serves as a relative clause, specifying the purpose or application of a noun or noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly employed across diverse writing styles and subjects. While it appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, overuse can lead to passive constructions. To enhance writing clarity and impact, consider active voice alternatives, such as "that employs" or "that serves as". Remember that "that" is generally preferred for restrictive clauses, while "which" is used for non-restrictive clauses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is employed

Replaces "which" with "that" and "used" with "employed", maintaining a formal tone.

that's utilized

Substitutes "which is" with "that's" (a contraction) and "used" with "utilized", slightly altering formality.

that serves as

Replaces the passive voice with an active construction, focusing on the function.

that functions as

Similar to "that serves as", this emphasizes the role or purpose.

which serves to

Focuses on the action or purpose that something accomplishes.

that is designed for

Highlights the intended purpose or design of something.

which has a purpose of

Emphasizes the purpose more explicitly.

what is intended for

Changes the structure to emphasize the intention behind the use.

that is implemented for

Focuses on the implementation or application of something.

that helps to

Shifts the focus to how something facilitates a particular outcome.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "which is used" to sound more active?

You can use alternatives like "that employs", "that utilizes", or "that serves as", depending on the specific context and intended meaning. These alternatives shift the focus to the subject performing the action rather than being acted upon.

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

In restrictive clauses (essential to the sentence's meaning), "that is used" is generally preferred. "Which is used" is more appropriate for non-restrictive clauses (adding extra information). However, the distinction is blurring, and "which" is increasingly accepted in both cases.

Is "which is used for" formal or informal?

The phrase "which is used for" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing. However, overuse can make writing sound passive, so consider active alternatives where appropriate.

What are some common synonyms for "which is used"?

Some common synonyms include "that is employed", "that's utilized", "that serves as", and "that functions as". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.