which was named

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which was named" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a person or thing that had a previously assigned name or label. For example, "The park, which was named after John Smith, is a favourite spot for locals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A New Musical," which was named outstanding musical.

The New York Times

This school developed into Dartmouth College of Hanover, New Hampshire, which was named in Dartmouth's honour.

Britannica

Brownsville took its name from Fort Brown, which was named for Maj.

The New York Times

The Barbell, which was named for its shape, is a zombie-proof home.

The New York Times - Magazine

Lord's, which was named after its founder, Thomas Lord, has had three locations over its history.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The donation was used to purchase a ship, which was named after Barker (see Paul Watson).

Encyclopedia Britannica

I went to Goyt Bank Comprehensive in Stockport, which was named after the River Goyt.

The Guardian - Film

Another multiple winner for HBO was "Recount," which was named best made-for-television movie.

The New York Times - Arts

"Take Me Out," which was named best play, yesterday saw its daily box office receipts quadruple.

The New York Times

An interesting fact was observed during On Off test, which was named a bounce phenomenon in this work.

Catalysis Today

It was a large crocodile, which was named Sebecus after the crocodile-headed god of ancient Egypt.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally replacing "which was named" with synonyms like "that was called" or "that was designated" to avoid repetition and enhance readability.

Common error

Avoid using "that" instead of "which" in nonrestrictive clauses. "Which" is appropriate when the clause provides extra, non-essential information, while "that" is used for essential information. For example, "The car, which was named 'Lightning', is fast" (correct) vs. "The car that was named 'Lightning' won the race" (incorrect).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which was named" functions as a relative clause, specifically a nonrestrictive or non-essential clause. This type of clause provides additional information about the noun it modifies but is not crucial for understanding the sentence's core meaning. As Ludwig AI pointed out, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which was named" serves as a nonrestrictive relative clause, providing additional details about a noun's name. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, scientific publications and wiki entries. Remember to use commas to set off the "which" clause, indicating its non-essential nature. Avoid replacing "which" with "that" in these contexts to maintain grammatical accuracy. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "which was named" into your writing, adding clarity and context while adhering to standard English grammar.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was labeled

Focuses on assigning a descriptive term for identification.

that was designated

Emphasizes an official assignment or appointment of a name.

that was referred to as

Highlights the act of calling something by a specific name.

that became known as

Suggests that the name evolved over time and became commonly used.

that was identified as

Focuses on identifying something using a particular name.

that was entitled

Highlights the act of giving something a title.

that was christened

Implies a more ceremonial or formal naming, often used for ships or projects.

that was styled

Emphasizes the deliberate choice and application of a particular name or style.

which got the name

More informal way of saying that a name was received.

that was tagged

Informal term for labeling or naming something.

FAQs

How do I properly use "which was named" in a sentence?

Use "which was named" in nonrestrictive clauses, setting it off with commas. For example, "The ship, which was named 'The Explorer', set sail this morning."

What are some alternatives to "which was named"?

You can use alternatives such as "that was called", "that was designated", or "that was entitled", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "that was named" instead of "which was named"?

While both can be used, "which was named" is more appropriate for nonrestrictive clauses that add extra information. "That was named" is generally used for restrictive clauses that are essential to the sentence's meaning. It's preferable to use "which was named".

Can I start a sentence with "which was named"?

No, "which was named" should not start a sentence. It is a relative clause that must follow the noun it modifies. For example, start with 'The project' and add the relative clause after that.