which originated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which originated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the source or starting point of something, often in a descriptive or explanatory context. Example: "The tradition, which originated in ancient times, continues to be celebrated today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That leaves New Century's mortgage origination business, which originated $60 billion in mortgages last year.

The New York Times

orientalis which originated in this area.

The Guardian

Terry Johnson directs the production, which originated in London.

The New Yorker

Context: Yoga is an ancient science, which originated in India.

Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research

(1964 ed. and Supp. IV), which originated with the Social Security Act of 1935.

Cornell University

My father worked for an international trading company which originated in Kobe.

Harvard University

Finally there's The Capoeira dancers, performers of a unique martial arts dance which originated in Angola.

University of California, Berkeley

This case involves practices of the Santeria religion, which originated in the nineteenth century.

Cornell University

These include indigenous crops such as quinoa and potato, but also maize, which originated in Mexico.

University of California, Berkeley

The two serve as hosts for the documentary, which originated with classroom discussions with Stanford students.

Stanford University

And the spiritual practice, which originated in India, has soared in popularity in recent years.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which originated", ensure the clause is nonrestrictive and set off by commas. This provides additional, non-essential information about the noun it modifies.

Common error

Avoid using "that" in place of "which" when the clause is nonrestrictive. "That" is for restrictive clauses that are essential to the sentence's meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which originated" functions as a relative clause, specifically a nonrestrictive (or non-essential) clause, providing additional information about a noun without being crucial to the sentence's core meaning. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase effectively introduces descriptive details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which originated" is a versatile phrase used to introduce nonrestrictive clauses, providing extra detail about the origin or source of a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of formal and neutral contexts, including news, academic writing, and encyclopedic entries. Common alternatives include "that began" and "that started", but "which originated" is particularly useful for adding informative, non-essential details. Remember to set off the clause with commas for proper grammar and clarity. With its frequent occurrence in authoritative sources, mastering the use of "which originated" can enhance the precision and depth of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that began

Replaces "originated" with a more straightforward term indicating a starting point.

that started

Similar to "that began", this emphasizes the commencement of something.

that stemmed from

Indicates the source or cause from which something arose.

that derived from

Highlights the extraction or obtaining of something from a source.

that emerged from

Suggests a gradual appearance or development from something.

that sprung from

Implies a sudden or rapid origin.

that was created in

Focuses on the act of creation and the location of origin.

that was established in

Emphasizes the founding or setting up of something in a particular place.

that has its roots in

Indicates a deep connection to a historical or foundational source.

whose genesis was in

Uses a more formal term for origin, focusing on the initial development.

FAQs

How do I use "which originated" in a sentence?

Use "which originated" to introduce a nonrestrictive clause that provides extra information about the noun it modifies. For example: "The tradition, "which originated" in ancient times, is still celebrated today."

What can I say instead of "which originated"?

You can use alternatives like "that began", "that started", or "that stemmed from" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "that originated" instead of "which originated"?

While "that originated" can be grammatically correct, "which originated" is generally preferred for nonrestrictive clauses. If the clause is essential to the sentence's meaning, "that" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "which originated" and "where it originated"?

"Which originated" refers to the source or beginning of something, whereas "where it originated" specifies the location of the origin. For instance, "The custom, "which originated" in Europe, is now popular globally" versus "The city, "where it originated", is known for its historical significance."