which were removed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which were removed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to items, elements, or parts that have been taken away or eliminated from a larger context. Example: "The documents included several sections, some of which were removed for clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The class time capsules, which were removed in June, would be buried at the amphitheater.

Princeton University

The bodies, which were removed on Friday, were taken to the medical examiner's office for autopsies.

The New York Times

These were the Duerers which were removed in Lvov before the civilian administration was set up there.

Yale University

Six thousand fewer tons of steel trusses, which were removed in 2004.

The New York Times

The two sets of captives were brought out wearing handcuffs, which were removed as they were handed over.

The Guardian

He has a $30,000 pair of prostheses that attach to his legs, which were removed below the knee.

The New York Times

Change can also be good, as CPRE's work to restore hedgerows which were removed in the 1980s shows.

The Guardian

Mr. McQueen's most recent Twitter messages, which were removed after news of his death, were filled with foreboding.

The New York Times

But several are hoping for a truck door with a fire company logo, many of which were removed as station souvenirs.

The New York Times - Arts

For years the British Museum has firmly and repeatedly rebuffed Greek demands for the return of the marbles, which were removed well before the modern Greek state existed.

The New York Times - Arts

Native plants like giant milkweed, sea pandanus and spider lily, which were removed from the beach and kept in a nursery, died.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which were removed" to clearly indicate that certain elements have been taken away or eliminated from a larger group or context. This phrase is particularly useful in academic writing or technical documentation where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "that were removed" when referring to non-restrictive clauses (clauses that add extra information but are not essential to the sentence's meaning). "Which were removed" is appropriate for non-restrictive clauses, while "that were removed" is generally used for restrictive clauses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which were removed" functions as a relative clause, providing additional information about nouns or noun phrases. According to Ludwig, it is used to specify items or elements that have been taken away or eliminated from a larger context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which were removed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase functioning as a relative clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase serves to provide additional details about items that have been taken away or eliminated. It is versatile, fitting for various contexts while remaining neutral in register. Usage is particularly common in science and news media. When writing, ensure you're using it in non-restrictive clauses and consider brevity by rephrasing when clarity isn't compromised.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that were eliminated

Focuses on the act of complete removal or eradication.

that were taken away

Emphasizes the physical act of taking something.

that were excluded

Highlights the act of preventing something from being included.

that were deleted

Specifically refers to the removal of digital data.

that were discarded

Implies something is no longer useful or wanted.

that were extracted

Focuses on taking something out from a larger whole.

that were withdrawn

Suggests a more formal or deliberate removal.

that were subtracted

Highlights the act of reducing a total amount.

that were excised

Implies a surgical or precise removal.

that were ousted

Suggests a removal from a position of power.

FAQs

How can I use "which were removed" in a sentence?

You can use "which were removed" to provide additional information about something that has been taken away or eliminated. For example, "The documents included several appendices, "which were removed" for clarity".

What's the difference between "that were removed" and "which were removed"?

"Which were removed" is used in non-restrictive clauses (adding extra, non-essential information), while "that were removed" is used in restrictive clauses (essential information). For example, "The files that were removed contained sensitive data" (restrictive) vs. "The files, "which were removed" yesterday, are no longer needed" (non-restrictive).

What are some alternatives to "which were removed"?

Some alternatives include "that were eliminated", "that were taken away", or "that were excluded", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to include "which were removed" or can the sentence be rephrased?

While "which were removed" is grammatically correct, you can often rephrase the sentence for brevity or clarity. For instance, instead of "The parts, "which were removed", were defective", you could say "The removed parts were defective".