which we are

USAGE SUMMARY

'which we are' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer back to a subject or idea that has already been mentioned. For example: I am attending a conference tomorrow, which we are all hoping will be a success.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which we are.

The New York Times

Which we are fighting to win.

Independent

Which we are now doing.

The Guardian

Which we are keeping open..

The New Yorker

The speed at which we are moving.

The Guardian

Which we are now deprived of.

The Guardian - Books

Such are the times through which we are living.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The landscape in which we are operating is changing.

The Guardian

It is part of the world in which we are".

The Guardian

It's a tussle to which we are about to return.

The Guardian

"But what is the environment in which we are operating?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which we are" to add non-essential information to a sentence, providing context or explanation without altering the core meaning. Ensure the clause is set off with commas.

Common error

Avoid using 'that' instead of "which" when introducing a nonrestrictive clause. 'That' is typically used for restrictive clauses that are essential to the sentence's meaning, while "which" introduces nonrestrictive clauses that provide additional, but not essential, information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which we are" functions as a relative clause, providing additional, non-essential information about a preceding noun or noun phrase. It connects a subordinate clause to the main clause, adding detail or explanation, as shown in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which we are" is a versatile relative clause used to introduce nonessential information, typically set off by commas. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across varied contexts, including news, academic, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, remember that it should always refer back to a preceding noun or noun phrase. While there are alternative phrases, understanding the nuance of "which we are" ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to which we belong

Highlights affiliation or connection to a group or category.

that describes us

Focuses on traits or attributes that portray or define a subject.

what characterizes us

Emphasizes distinctive features or qualities that set a subject apart.

that we represent

Highlights the act of symbolizing or standing for something.

that defines us

Focuses on characteristics that define or identify a subject.

that we embody

Emphasizes the act of embodying or representing something.

what constitutes us

Highlights the elements that make up or compose a subject.

that we encompass

Emphasizes the inclusion or comprehensive nature of a subject.

the nature we possess

Stresses the inherent nature or qualities a subject has.

the essence of our being

Focuses on the fundamental nature or core identity of a subject.

FAQs

How do I properly punctuate a sentence with "which we are"?

When using "which we are" to introduce a nonrestrictive clause, set it off with commas. For example, "Our team is launching a new product, which we are confident will succeed".

What's the difference between 'that we are' and "which we are"?

'That we are' introduces essential, restrictive clauses, while "which we are" introduces nonessential, nonrestrictive clauses. Use "which we are" when the clause provides additional, non-critical information.

Can I start a sentence with "which we are"?

No, "which we are" cannot start a sentence. It is used to introduce a nonrestrictive clause that adds extra information to a main clause.

What can I say instead of "which we are" to vary my writing?

You can use alternatives like "that defines us", "to which we belong", or "that we represent" depending on the specific context.