which starts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which starts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the beginning of something, such as a sentence, event, or process. Example: "The book has a chapter which starts with a detailed description of the main character's background."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take the first round, which starts Wednesday.

The New York Times

The Clinton Global Initiative, which starts today.

The New Yorker

For outtakes, see this video, which starts at 6 seconds.

Stanford University

"It is a tough run-in, which starts  with Liverpool.

Independent

FORGET about the World Series, which starts on October 24th.

The Economist

Which starts later: conference calls or face-to-face meetings?

Harvard Business Review

It is 2004 (which starts on July 1), not 2003.

The New York Times

Time, once again, for ­London fashion week, which starts tomorrow.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It has now been published in the Federal Register, which starts the countdown to required implementation.

Cornell University

The game, which starts at noon, will be broadcast live on ESPNU.

Princeton University

Breakfast: will be provided in your first workshop session, which starts at 9 45am.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which starts", ensure the noun it refers to is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The conference, which starts next week, will cover new advancements" is clearer than "The conference starts next week, which will cover new advancements."

Common error

Avoid using "that starts" when "which starts" is more appropriate. "Which" introduces nonrestrictive clauses, providing additional but nonessential information. "That" introduces restrictive clauses, essential to the sentence's meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which starts" functions as a relative clause, introducing additional, non-essential information about a noun or noun phrase. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it clarifies the timing or initiation of an event, activity, or process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

29%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which starts" is a versatile relative clause commonly used across diverse contexts, notably in News & Media, Academia, and Science. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and serves to provide additional, non-essential information about a noun or event's beginning. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in what it refers to and be mindful of the distinction between "which" and "that" to avoid grammatical errors. Considering semantically related alternatives like "that commences" or "that initiates" can enhance writing, depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that commences

Uses a more formal verb to indicate the beginning.

that initiates

Emphasizes the action of beginning or setting something in motion.

that kicks off

An informal way to express the beginning, often used for events or projects.

which gets underway

Implies the start of something after preparation or planning.

that is launched

Suggests a formal or significant beginning, like a product or campaign.

that originates

Focuses on the source or point of origin.

that stems from

Indicates that something begins as a result of something else.

that is triggered by

Highlights a specific event or action that causes something to start.

that is predicated on

Indicates that something is based on a starting point or assumption.

that ensues from

Suggests that something follows as a consequence or result, marking the beginning of a chain of events.

FAQs

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

Use "which starts" to introduce a nonrestrictive clause that provides additional information about a noun. For example, "The workshop, which starts at 9 AM, will cover the basics."

What is a good alternative to "which starts"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "that commences", "that begins", or "that initiates".

Is it grammatically correct to say "that starts" instead of "which starts"?

While both can be used, "which starts" is preferred for nonrestrictive clauses, providing extra information. "That starts" is used for restrictive clauses essential to the sentence's meaning. For example: "The meeting that starts now is important" vs. "The meeting, which starts now, is a review."

What's the difference between "which starts" and "that begins"?

"Which starts" introduces a nonrestrictive clause, adding extra detail. "That begins" introduces a restrictive clause, essential for identifying what you're referring to. For example: "The project, which starts next month, is ambitious" vs. "The project that begins now is crucial".