which required

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which required" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was necessary or needed in a particular context or situation. Example: "The project was challenging, which required us to work overtime to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

*Flexible academic years within which required credits should be completed.

BMC Medical Education

EVERY 21 days she needed chemotherapy treatment, which required four days of hospitalization each time.

The New York Times

But a unit there needed a full renovation, which required too much cash.

The New York Times

Which required votive candles, of course.

The New York Times

The plans expanded, which required more money.

The New Yorker

Which required great discipline.

The New York Times

Mallett restored the Tabley bed, which required new fabrics.

The New York Times - Arts

"So we added this, which required the approval of HUD.

The New Yorker

Dashon had attended University High, which required an admissions test.

The New Yorker

The coats, which required great skill, took months to sew.

The New York Times - Arts

A touch screen, which required a stylus, made navigation easy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which required", ensure the clause it introduces provides essential information about the noun it modifies. This helps maintain clarity and flow in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "which" when "that" is more appropriate for restrictive clauses (clauses that are essential to the meaning of the sentence). If the clause is non-restrictive (adds extra information), then "which" is correct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which required" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or noun phrase by providing additional information about it. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. This clause explains what was necessary or needed in relation to the modified noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which required" is a grammatically sound and frequently used relative clause that adds explanatory information to a noun phrase. As per Ludwig, its function is to specify that a certain action, resource, or condition was necessary. It appears most commonly in news and media sources but is acceptable in a wide variety of writing styles. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the clause provides essential context, and to differentiate its use from "that required" based on whether the clause is restrictive or non-restrictive. Alternatives such as "that necessitated" or "necessitating" can provide stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that necessitated

Replaces "which required" with a more formal verb indicating necessity.

that demanded

Emphasizes the need or urgency of the requirement.

necessitating

Uses a gerund to indicate a direct consequence.

that called for

Indicates a need or request for something specific.

that entailed

Implies that something was a necessary part or consequence.

that made necessary

Highlights the action that created the necessity.

that presupposed

Indicates a prior condition or requirement.

that depended on

Highlights the reliance on a condition or factor.

as a result of which was needed

Expands the phrase to show the causal relationship more explicitly.

the fulfillment of which depended on

Adds a layer of complexity by highlighting the fulfillment aspect.

FAQs

How can I rephrase a sentence using "which required"?

You can rephrase it using alternatives like "that necessitated", "that demanded", or "necessitating", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "which required" or "that required"?

Use "that required" for restrictive clauses (essential information) and "which required" for non-restrictive clauses (additional information). The choice depends on whether the clause is essential to the sentence's meaning.

What's the difference between "which required" and "which necessitates"?

"Which required" refers to something that was needed in the past, while "which necessitates" implies something is currently needed as a result. For example, 'The surgery, "which required" a long recovery, was successful' vs 'The situation, which necessitates immediate action, is critical'.

Can I start a sentence with "which required"?

No, "which required" is a relative clause and should not start a sentence. It needs to follow the noun it modifies within the sentence.