which were returned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'which were returned' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to mention an item or items that have been given back to the original owner after being taken away. For example: All the documents which were returned had been thoroughly checked.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

In all, local officials checked 25 guns, all of which were returned to their owners.

The New York Times

A police search of Van Winkle's home found several of the stolen items, which were returned to their owner.

The Guardian

That repressiveness triggered last month's protests and the seizure of those documents, which were returned the same evening.

The Guardian

Afterward, it is reported, he jumped into her capacious lap and covered her face with kisses, which were returned.

The New York Times - Travel

A Duke admissions officer recalls being given a box of applications she had intended to reject, but which were returned to her for "special" reconsideration.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the preseason Testaverde has completed 11 passes in 21 attempts for 244 yards, one touchdown and 2 interceptions, both of which were returned for touchdowns.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

some returns the first non-nil value which is returned by an invocation of predicate.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There was a downpayment, some of which was returned and the rest was not.

Independent

His fifth target results in a Revis interception, which is returned 100 yards for a touchdown!

The New York Times

Employees' contributions, which are returned tax-free, have been treated as the first dollars paid out.

The New York Times

Drew Brees had a fumble and four interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which were returned", ensure the antecedent (the noun "which" refers to) is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The questionnaires, which were returned, provided valuable data."

Common error

Avoid using "that" in place of "which" when introducing nonrestrictive clauses (clauses that add extra information but are not essential to the sentence's meaning). "Which" is appropriate here. For example: The books, which were returned late, incurred a fine. Not: The books that were returned late incurred a fine.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which were returned" functions as a relative clause, specifically a nonrestrictive (or nonessential) clause, providing additional, non-defining information about the noun it modifies. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to add extra details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which were returned" is a grammatically sound and frequently used relative clause, acting as a nonrestrictive modifier to offer additional information about a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. This phrase is commonly found in scientific and news contexts, denoting a process of something being given back. While generally neutral in register, it leans toward formality. Common errors include misusing "that" instead of "which" in nonrestrictive clauses. Remember to use "which" to introduce nonessential information. "Which were returned" is versatile and clear, making it valuable for precise and informative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that were given back

Emphasizes the act of giving something back to its owner or origin.

that were brought back

Focuses on the action of physically bringing something back.

that had been sent back

Highlights the action of sending something back to its source or origin.

which got sent back

More informal phrasing, indicating something was sent back.

which had been handed back

Stresses the action of handing something back, often implying a formal return.

that had been restored

Focuses on the action of restoration or bringing something back to its original condition.

which were handed over again

Focuses on the second action of hand something over.

that were reverted

Implies a return to a previous state or condition.

that had been relinquished

Focuses on the action of giving up something, which is then returned.

that were reinstated

Suggests a restoration to a previous position or condition.

FAQs

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

The phrase "which were returned" is used to add extra information about something that was given back. For example, "The surveys, "which were returned" by mail, contained valuable data."

What are some alternatives to saying "which were returned"?

You can use phrases like "that had been restored", "that were given back", or "that had been sent back" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "that were returned" or "which were returned"?

In nonrestrictive clauses (clauses that provide additional, non-essential information), "which" is generally preferred over "that". So, "The items, "which were returned" in good condition, were promptly refunded" is more appropriate than using "that".

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

"Which were returned" introduces a nonrestrictive clause, adding extra information. "That were returned" introduces a restrictive clause, defining what you're talking about. Example: "The books "that were returned" late were fined" (only the late books were fined). "The books, "which were returned", were all in good condition" (all the books were in good condition).