which it was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which it was" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to connect two ideas, with the second being the result of the first. For example: He did not notice the mistake, which it was ultimately too late to correct.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, its ability may be attenuated outside of the population for which it was designed.

General Hospital Psychiatry

(Which it was).

Independent

Which it was, and did.

Independent

Which it was already, of course.

Independent

We have to establish which it was".

Independent

Which it was time to do.

The New York Times - Magazine

I regret the way in which it was implemented.

The Washington Post

The mission for which it was created could be lost.

The New York Times

That's the basis on which it was approved," Bragg said.

The Guardian - Business

Volkswagen abused the system of which it was part.

The Guardian - Opinion

We're disappointed in the manner in which it was done.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which it was" to add a short explanatory comment or affirmation immediately after a statement to provide additional context or confirmation.

Common error

Avoid using "which it was" in overly complex sentences where the connection between the clause it modifies and the main clause becomes unclear. Simplify the sentence for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which it was" functions as a nonrestrictive relative clause, providing additional, non-essential information about a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and is used to add a brief explanatory comment or affirmation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

29%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which it was" functions as a nonrestrictive relative clause, offering additional context or confirmation to a previous statement. Ludwig AI affirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. While seen across various domains, including News & Media, Academia, and Science, it leans towards a neutral to informal register. When using this phrase, ensure it clearly and concisely adds value to the sentence, avoiding overly complex structures. Remember, it's best suited for adding brief explanatory comments or affirmations. For more formal contexts, consider rephrasing for enhanced sophistication and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in effect

Indicates the result or consequence of something.

as was the case

Highlights that a situation existed or a condition prevailed, rather than specifying the result.

indeed

Affirms a previous statement, adding emphasis or confirmation.

as it happened

Focuses on the occurrence or unfolding of events, instead of the resulting state.

in fact

Introduces a statement of truth, often surprising or previously unknown.

actually

Indicates that something is true or real, used for emphasis or correction.

in reality

Emphasizes the truth or actuality of a situation, offering a general affirmation.

as things stood

Refers to the condition or situation at a specific point in time.

undeniably

Asserts that something is true and cannot be denied.

to be sure

Acknowledges a point while introducing a contrasting or qualifying statement.

FAQs

How can I use "which it was" in a sentence?

Use "which it was" to provide a brief explanation or confirmation immediately following a statement. For example, "The referee called a fair tackle, "which it was"."

What phrases are similar to "which it was"?

Similar phrases include "as it happened", "as was the case", or "in fact", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "which it was" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "which it was" can sound informal. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "indeed" or rephrasing for clarity and sophistication.

What's the difference between "which it was" and "that it was"?

"Which it was" adds nonessential, extra information. "That it was" is more restrictive and crucial to the meaning of the sentence. "Which" clauses are set off by commas, while "that" clauses are not.