who claims

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "who claims" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who asserts or states something, often in the context of a statement or allegation. Example: "The scientist who claims to have discovered a new species will present her findings at the conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't believe anyone who claims otherwise.

The New York Times

Who claims that?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Living: Who claims Tichborne tenancy?

The Times

Being mixed: Who claims a biracial identity?

Stanford University

2004 Bloemraad, I. Who Claims Dual Citizenship?

University of California, Berkeley

Anyone who claims otherwise is practising voodoo economics.

The New York Times

Encounter with a woman who claims to have psychic powers.

The New Yorker

Anyone who claims to know is really just guessing".

The New York Times

This from the man who claims to put country first.

The Guardian - Opinion

The person who claims to be the strongest opposition contender is a Harvard graduate.

Harvard University

This is hotly denied by GKRS who claims a legitimate business opportunity.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "who claims", consider the context. It's suitable for situations where the veracity of the statement might be under scrutiny or where you want to present the information without fully endorsing it.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "who claims" when you are trying to discredit a source or their statement without providing substantive evidence. Using it repeatedly can create a dismissive or biased tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "who claims" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun (usually a person) by introducing a statement or assertion they have made. This is supported by Ludwig, as it shows numerous examples where it connects a person to their stated belief or declaration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "who claims" serves as a relative clause introducing a statement made by an individual. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's particularly useful when the statement's veracity isn't fully established. Its usage spans various contexts, including News & Media, Academia and Science, maintaining a neutral register. Remember, context is crucial, and alternatives like "who asserts" or "who alleges" can add nuance. Be mindful of overuse to avoid unintended bias. With that, Ludwig provides a high level of confidence to the correctness and usability of the phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that asserts

Focuses on the act of stating something confidently and forcefully. Shift from the personal pronoun.

who alleges

Specifically suggests that the statement is made without definitive proof, often in legal contexts. Word choice changes the implication.

that contends

Emphasizes that the claim is part of an argument or debate. Shift from the personal pronoun.

who maintains

Indicates that the person consistently holds a specific belief or position. Word choice adds emphasis.

who affirms

Highlights a declaration or confirmation of something as true. Word choice shifts focus to truth value.

who professes

Suggests an open declaration of belief, often related to faith or ideals. Word choice introduces element of belief.

that purports

Implies that something is presented as true, though it may be questionable. Shift from the personal pronoun.

who avers

Formally declares or asserts something. Word choice makes it more formal.

who suggests

Introduces an idea or possibility in a less forceful manner. Word choice softens the statement.

that pretends

Implies the statement is insincere or deceptive. Shift from the personal pronoun.

FAQs

How can I use "who claims" in a sentence?

Use "who claims" to introduce a statement made by someone, often when the truthfulness of that statement is not yet verified or is being questioned. For example, "The witness "who claims" to have seen the incident is now being interviewed."

What are some alternatives to "who claims"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "who asserts", "who alleges", or "who maintains" to convey similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

Is it better to use "who claims" or "that claims"?

Both "who claims" and "that claims" are grammatically correct. "Who claims" is generally used when referring to a person, while "that claims" is used when referring to a thing or a group. For example, "the witness "who claims"" versus "the study "that claims"".

When should I avoid using "who claims"?

Avoid using "who claims" when the statement being made is already widely accepted as fact or when the source is highly credible and there's no reason to doubt the statement. In such cases, a more direct phrasing might be more appropriate.