which written

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which written" is not correct in standard written English.
It is not a usable construction and does not convey a clear meaning in any context. Example: "The document, which written in 2020, outlines the new policies."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Georg Simmel wrote about the ways in which written letters are peculiarly subject to misinterpretation.

The New York Times - Magazine

The first known language in which written letters corresponded to particular sounds was developed by the Canaanites around 1700BC.

The Economist

Word processing, operation by which written, verbal, or recorded information is transformed into typewritten or printed form.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Petitioner testified that he believed its principles, particularly as they applied to the period and country in which written.

Cornell University

42 Political writings are often over-exaggerated polemics bearing the imprint of the period and the place in which written.

Cornell University

Certainly, some professions require a solid grasp of the rules of grammar…However, there are many positions in which written communication is rare.

The New York Times

Mr. Topol wrote several novels, three of which, written in the 1980s, were to be released in June under the title "Jako pes" ("Like a Dog").

The New York Times - Arts

A student is considered registered until the date on which written notice of withdrawal is received by the Office of the Dean.

Columbia University

Such a hearing shall normally be set seven to fourteen working days from the date on which written notice was served on the individual charged.

Yale University

Imagine a world in which written English had changed so little that works of "Beowulf" 's era remained continuously readable for the past twelve hundred years.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I almost tore apart Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask (1969) which -- written by a man -- I don't consider part of the Our Bodies Ourselves / Betty Dodson movement.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing documents or texts, use constructions like "that was written" or "which was written" for clarity and grammatical correctness. This ensures your writing is easily understood and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "which written" directly. It often leads to grammatically awkward sentences. Instead, rephrase using a passive construction such as "which was written" or "that was written" to ensure clarity and correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which written" functions as part of a relative clause, attempting to provide additional information about a noun. However, it is grammatically incomplete and typically requires the addition of an auxiliary verb (e.g., "was", "is", "has been") to form a complete clause, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

32%

News & Media

32%

Science

29%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "which written" appears across various sources, including academic, news, and scientific domains, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI also identifies it as an incorrect construction. The intended purpose is to add descriptive details, but clearer alternatives like "that was written" or "which was written" are recommended for improved clarity and grammatical correctness. When aiming for precise and formal writing, replacing "which written" is crucial. While "which written" can be encountered, it’s advisable to opt for its more grammatically correct alternatives to enhance clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was written

Replaces "which written" with a more standard relative clause construction using "that was".

that is written

Uses "that is written" for present tense or habitual actions, providing clarity.

which was written

Employs the more common "which was written" to create a passive relative clause.

as written

Shortens the phrase to "as written", implying adherence to an existing document or statement.

that has been written

Uses "that has been written" for actions completed in the past with present relevance.

which has been written

Employs "which has been written" to connect a description to something already composed.

what is written

Employs "what is written" focusing on the content, instead of the writing event itself.

that they wrote

Changes the structure to focus on the agent who wrote something, rather than the document itself.

that they had written

Focuses on the completion of the act of writing before a specified point in time.

according to what's written

Expresses reliance or compliance with something specified in writing.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "which" with a verb in the passive voice?

Use "which was/is/has been written" depending on the intended tense. For example, "The report, "which was written" last year, details the new strategy".

What are some alternatives to "which written"?

Alternatives include "that was written", "which was composed", or rephrasing the sentence to avoid the construction altogether.

Is "which written" grammatically correct?

No, "which written" is not generally considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's typically replaced with a passive construction like ""which was written"".

How can I avoid using "which written" in my writing?

Rephrase your sentences to use more standard relative clauses. For instance, instead of "the document which written", say "the document that was written" or "the document which was composed".