which represent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which represent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a definition of a concept or to introduce a list of examples which illustrate that concept. For example, "These figures demonstrate the increase in the average temperature of the planet, which represent the effects of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

-Which elements represent fact and which represent opinion?

The New York Times

Are the drawings, which represent the bulk of this artist's surviving work, worth all the fuss?

The New York Times - Arts

For service industries, which represent two-thirds of economic activity, comprehensive data is only collected annually.

The New York Times

Its Class A shares, which represent about 30percentt, rose 99 cents, to $28.94.

The New York Times

The pilgrims commemorate Abraham's faith by stoning the pillars, which represent the Devil.

The New Yorker

The nonmanufacturing index is mostly made up of services, which represent two-thirds of the economy.

The New York Times

Case in point: his diminutive chairs, which represent "the companionship of solitude".

The New York Times

And messages increasingly include emojis and stickers, which represent a massive opportunity for brands.

The Guardian

Sanofi's American depositary receipts, two of which represent one ordinary share, fell 22 cents to $45.36.

The New York Times

Take heating and lighting, which represent a significant proportion of most charities' carbon footprints.

The Guardian

SAP American depository receipts, four of which represent an ordinary share, fell $1.65, to $19.70.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the noun phrase modified by "which represent" is clear and unambiguous to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "that" instead of "which" when providing non-restrictive, additional information. "Which" is correct when the clause is not essential to the sentence's meaning. A non-restrictive clause adds extra information to a sentence and is set off by commas.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "which represent" is to introduce a non-restrictive relative clause, providing additional information about a noun phrase. It serves to define or describe the preceding noun without limiting its scope. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which represent" serves as a non-restrictive relative clause, providing further information about a noun or concept. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. Its primary function is to clarify meaning or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its common use, and its authoritative sources ensure its reliability, even if other forms like "that symbolize" can be used in similar contexts. It is important to ensure that the modified noun phrase is clear to avoid confusion, and that "which" is used instead of "that" in non-restrictive clauses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that symbolize

Replaces "represent" with a synonym focusing on symbolic meaning. It is a more concise alternative.

that exemplify

Emphasizes the role of providing a clear example, suggesting a more illustrative function.

that stand for

Focuses on the idea of equivalence or substitution, where one thing acts in place of another.

that are defined as

Highlights the act of definition, making it explicit that the phrase introduces a meaning.

that correspond to

Suggests a relationship of direct mapping or association between two entities.

which are indicative of

Indicates a signal or sign pointing towards something, more about suggestion than direct representation

that embody

Focuses on the tangible expression of an abstract idea, suggesting a physical manifestation.

that illustrate

Emphasizes the visual or descriptive clarification of something, suitable when providing examples.

that constitute

Focuses on the components that form a whole, indicating a composition relationship.

that mirror

Implies a reflection or close resemblance, suggesting a mirroring of characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "which represent" in a sentence?

Use "which represent" to define or describe elements in a non-restrictive clause. For instance, "These symbols, "which represent" core values, are prominently displayed."

What are some alternatives to "which represent"?

Alternatives include "that symbolize", "that exemplify", or "that stand for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "that represent" instead of "which represent"?

"Which represent" is generally used in non-restrictive clauses, while "that represent" is used in restrictive clauses that are essential to the sentence's meaning. Using "which" implies the information is additional, while "that" suggests it's necessary for identification.

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

"Which represent" is used to show equivalence or symbolism, while "that constitute" indicates the parts that make up a whole. For example, "The colors, "which represent" hope, are vibrant", versus "These elements, "that constitute" the team, are essential".