which relies on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'which relies on' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize a situation or circumstance that is dependent on something else. For example: "His success in the exam, which relies on preparation and focus, is still uncertain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For one, encryption, which relies on complex math, is very hard to implement correctly.

The Guardian - Tech

Training a machine learning model is just one of them which relies on GPUs.

Forbes

Untouchable for Labour, which relies on union funding.

The Guardian

It's an exciting moment, which relies on trust and collaboration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Survey data, which relies on respondents' memories, is typically inaccurate.

Travel Behaviour and Society

The weak economy has also slowed the photo economy, which relies on liberal spending by consumers.

The New York Times

Nascar, which relies on corporate sponsorships more than other sports, is particularly vulnerable.

The New York Times

This largely conserves the existing system, which relies on self-certification.

The Guardian

Uruguay, which relies on Argentina for tourism as well as trade, has also been hurt.

The New York Times

It was never like Empire, which relies on the gonzo behavior of its crazy characters.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Her transit plan which relies on increased bus service may not be especially sexy.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally replacing "which relies on" with alternatives like "that depends on" or "that hinges on" to avoid monotony.

Common error

Avoid using "which relies on" when the connection is merely correlational, not causal. Ensure there's a genuine dependency, not just a related factor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which relies on" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or noun phrase by specifying a condition or dependency. It connects a clause to a preceding noun, indicating that the characteristic being described is dependent on something else. Ludwig confirms this grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which relies on" functions as a relative clause to specify a dependency or condition. It is grammatically correct and very common, as confirmed by Ludwig. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science sources. While generally neutral, it leans toward formal contexts. When writing, ensure that the reliance is genuine and the dependent relationship is clear, avoiding mere correlations. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase’s versatility and correctness across diverse texts and its ability to add depth to explanations of causal relationships or dependencies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that depends on

Emphasizes the dependency more directly, replacing the relative pronoun "which".

that is dependent on

Directly states reliance, suitable for various contexts.

that hinges on

Implies a crucial dependency, suggesting the outcome is significantly affected.

that is contingent on

Formal alternative, indicating dependence on specific conditions.

that is conditional on

Focuses on the stipulations or requirements for something to occur.

that is based on

Highlights the foundation or origin from which something is derived.

that is predicated on

Formal and emphatic, suggesting a logical basis or assumption.

that is subject to

Highlights vulnerability to specific factors or influences.

that is underpinned by

Suggests a foundational support or principle.

that is sustained by

Emphasizes ongoing support or maintenance.

FAQs

How can I use "which relies on" in a sentence?

Use "which relies on" to introduce a relative clause that describes something that depends on a specific element. For example, "The project, "which relies on" funding, may be delayed."

What can I say instead of "which relies on"?

You can use alternatives like "that depends on", "that hinges on", or "that is based on" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "that relies on" or "which relies on"?

Both "that relies on" and "which relies on" are grammatically correct. "Which" is typically used for nonrestrictive clauses (adding extra information), while "that" is used for restrictive clauses (essential to the sentence's meaning). Consider the intended emphasis when choosing.

What's the difference between "which relies on" and "which depends on"?

"Which relies on" and "which depends on" are largely interchangeable, both indicating dependence. "Relies" can sometimes imply a stronger or more critical dependency than "depends".