Regardless if you are a native speaker of English or an English language learner, as a student it is crucial to refine your academic writing by balancing the use of certain words and phrases. One such word is “which.” While using “which” can provide further explanation or clarify ideas, overusing it can lead to repetitive and monotonous writing. In this 500-word essay, we will explore strategies to avoid overusing “which” while still taking advantage of its ability to add clarity and depth to your writing.
- Restructuring Sentences:
The first approach to maintaining a balanced usage of “which” is to restructure your sentences. Often, “which” is used to introduce a relative clause. By changing the sentence structure, you can eliminate the need for “which” and create more variety in your writing.
Example 1: Original sentence: The novel, which was written by Charles Dickens, is a classic. Improved sentence: Charles Dickens wrote the classic novel.
Example 2: Original sentence: The city, which is famous for its architecture, attracts many tourists. Improved sentence: The city’s famous architecture attracts many tourists.
- Using Other Relative Pronouns:
Another way to avoid overusing “which” is to replace it with another relative pronoun, such as “that” or “who.” Although this may not always be possible, it can help you diversify your writing and avoid repetitiveness.
Example 1: Original sentence: The conference, which will be held in London, is expected to draw a large audience. Alternative sentence: The conference that will be held in London is expected to draw a large audience.
Example 2: Original sentence: The professor, which is an expert in her field, will give a lecture. Alternative sentence: The professor, who is an expert in her field, will give a lecture.
- Using Participial Phrases:
Participial phrases can help you eliminate the need for “which” by condensing information and making your sentences more concise. These phrases are formed by using the present or past participle of a verb.
Example 1: Original sentence: The painting, which was created by Van Gogh, is displayed in the museum. Improved sentence: Created by Van Gogh, the painting is displayed in the museum.
Example 2: Original sentence: The students, which were awarded scholarships, will attend the ceremony. Improved sentence: Awarded scholarships, the students will attend the ceremony.
- Employing Appositives:
Appositives are nouns or noun phrases that provide additional information about another noun. By using appositives, you can avoid “which” and make your writing more engaging.
Example 1: Original sentence: The Eiffel Tower, which is a famous landmark, is located in Paris. Improved sentence: The Eiffel Tower, a famous landmark, is located in Paris.
Example 2: Original sentence: Shakespeare, which was a famous playwright, wrote many plays. Improved sentence: Shakespeare, a famous playwright, wrote many plays.
- Utilizing “Which” for Further Explanation:
In some cases, using “which” is necessary for adding further explanation to an idea or elaborating on a specific point. This usage can be effective and contribute to the clarity of your writing, as long as it is not overused.
Example 1: Original sentence: The book contains ten chapters, which are organized by theme. Appropriate use of “which”: The book contains ten chapters, which provide a comprehensive overview of the topic.
Example 2: Original sentence: The experiment yielded significant results, which will be discussed in the following section. Appropriate use of “which”: The experiment yielded significant results, which contribute to the existing body of research on the subject.
- Combining Ideas with “Which”:
Another useful way to employ “which” in your academic writing is to use it to combine related ideas or concepts within a sentence. By doing this, you can create a more coherent and unified flow in your writing.
Example 1: Original sentences: The research study had several limitations. The limitations were due to the small sample size. Appropriate use of “which”: The research study had several limitations, which were due to the small sample size.
Example 2: Original sentences: The author presented a strong argument in favor of renewable energy. The argument was supported by extensive data. Appropriate use of “which”: The author presented a strong argument in favor of renewable energy, which was supported by extensive data.
- Asking Questions with “Which”:
In academic writing, it is sometimes necessary to ask questions that involve making a choice or identifying specific information. In these instances, using “which” can be an effective way to frame the question.
Example 1: Original question: What aspect of the research do you think is most important? Appropriate use of “which”: Which aspect of the research do you think is most important?
Example 2: Original question: What strategy should the company adopt to improve its market position? Appropriate use of “which”: Which strategy should the company adopt to improve its market position?
Balancing the usage of “which” in academic writing is essential for B2 to C1 level ESL students. By restructuring sentences, using other relative pronouns, employing participial phrases, utilizing appositives, and embracing the appropriate uses of “which” for further explanation, combining ideas, and asking questions, you can create more engaging and effective writing. As you practice these techniques, your writing will become more polished and your essays will be clearer and more enjoyable to read. Remember, the key is to strike the right balance between using “which” to enhance your writing and avoiding overuse that could make your work monotonous or repetitive.
