which requires

USAGE SUMMARY

"which requires" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it in a sentence to introduce a clause that explains what someone or something needs to do in order to get something done. For example: I need to buy a new car, which requires saving money for several months.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which requires constant security.

The Guardian - Tech

Which requires constant bullshit.

The Guardian - Tech

Which requires the American troops.

The New York Times

Which requires a certain faith.

The Washington Post

agreement, which requires an austerity program.

The New York Times

Not real satire, which requires some modicum of wit.

The Guardian - Books

Terms of the purchase, which requires regulatory approval, were undisclosed.

The New York Times

An ongoing domestic drama which requires no human cohabitant.

The New Yorker

It is a serious business which requires serious training".

The New York Times

She was a great worrier, which requires an imagination.

The New Yorker

They are converts to Islam, which requires circumcision.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which requires", ensure the clause it introduces provides essential information, not just extra detail. If the information is non-essential, use "which requires" inside commas.

Common error

Avoid substituting "that requires" for "which requires" when 'which' introduces a nonrestrictive (nonessential) clause. 'That' should be used for restrictive clauses that are vital to the sentence's meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which requires" functions as a relative clause connector, introducing a subordinate clause that modifies the preceding noun phrase by specifying a necessary condition or consequence. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts to explain what is needed for a particular outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which requires" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce clauses that specify necessary conditions or consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. Its frequency is very common across diverse contexts, particularly in science, news media, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by correctly distinguishing between restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses, and be mindful of its formal tone. Alternatives like "that necessitates" or "necessitating" can be used to achieve different stylistic effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that necessitates

Replaces "which requires" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the element of necessity.

that entails

Indicates that something is a necessary consequence of something else, similar to "which requires".

necessitating

A more concise way of expressing the need for something, functioning as a participle.

that calls for

Suggests a need or demand for something, maintaining a similar level of formality.

mandating

Implies a formal or legal requirement, adding a stronger sense of obligation.

which demands

Similar to "which requires" but carries a slightly stronger connotation of urgency or insistence.

that makes necessary

A more verbose alternative, emphasizing the cause-and-effect relationship.

that precipitates

Highlights the resulting action as an inevitable outcome.

that compels

Suggests a forced or unavoidable action, indicating less flexibility.

thereby obliging

Formally expresses the creation of an obligation or duty as a result of something.

FAQs

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

Use "which requires" to introduce a clause that specifies a necessary condition or consequence. For example, "Solving this problem, "which requires" careful analysis, will take time".

What are some alternatives to using "which requires"?

You can use alternatives like "that necessitates", "that entails", or "necessitating" depending on the context and desired level of formality. "That necessitates" often implies a stronger sense of demand.

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

While "that requires" is grammatically acceptable in some contexts, "which requires" is generally preferred for nonrestrictive clauses. If the clause is essential to the sentence's meaning, "that requires" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "which requires" and "which demands"?

"Which demands" is a stronger way to phrase it and conveys a sense of urgency compared to "which requires". "The project, "which demands" immediate attention, is now overdue."