a chapter in which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a chapter in which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a specific section of a book or text that describes or discusses a particular topic or event. Example: "In a chapter in which the protagonist faces her greatest challenge, the author explores themes of resilience and courage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

I've been given a chapter in which nothing happens.

The Guardian - Books

There is not a chapter in which he does not produce a statistic that both surprises and overturns received wisdom.

The Economist

(A chapter in which he imagines a dialogue that Socrates might have had with Hermes during a dream is both amusing and insightful).

The Economist

A chapter about a tense adult moment at a sushi restaurant is followed by a chapter in which he steals 40 typewriters and vandalises his school.

The Economist

There are other oddities, such as a chapter in which he reproduces letters he wrote to friends about their books without disclosing what those books are.

The Guardian - Books

A chapter in which the narrator anxiously thinks of the future is headed "Toward"; one where dangerous and trivial accidents coincide is called "As".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The next day in Delhi I bought a paperback of A House for Mr Biswas, to read again a favourite chapter in which Biswas gets a try-out as a reporter on the circulation-chasing Trinidad Sentinel.

The Guardian - Opinion

Evelyn Waugh's Vile Bodies (1930) – a novel about dissolute young people pleasing themselves – has a curious chapter in which a character named Adam Fenwick-Symes sets off from London to the country with the aim of extracting money from his fiancée's father.

Independent

In 1958, Martin and Lyon asked Gittings to start a chapter in New York City, which she did when less than a dozen women responded to her notice in the Mattachine Society newsletter asking for "all women in the New York area who are interested in forming a chapter of the DOB" on September 20 , 1958

Wikipedia

And though it does not immediately end the lawsuit, over conditions at the jail, it offers hope for a close to a long chapter in which federal investigators cited widespread abuses and violations of inmates' civil rights, and five correction officers were convicted in connection with the beating and an attempted cover-up.

The New York Times

There is a great moment, in a subsequent chapter, in which she asks why Warning, Jenny Joseph's 1961 poem about "wearing purple", remains our only quotable defence against decrepitude with its clapped-out message about mutinous pottiness and growing old disgracefully.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a chapter in which", ensure the subsequent clause clearly and concisely describes the chapter's content or purpose. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using overly general or vague language when describing what happens "in a chapter in which". Be specific about the key events, themes, or arguments presented in that section of the text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a chapter in which" functions as a relative clause introducing a specific section of a text. It establishes a context within the chapter where a particular event, action, or description occurs. It is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a chapter in which" serves as a relative clause to introduce specific content within a chapter. It is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting into various contexts from news to academia. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and suitable for describing what a chapter contains, making it a valuable tool for writers aiming for clarity and precision. While not exceedingly common, its usage is well-established and easily understood, enhancing readability by providing clear contextual markers within written works.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a section wherein

Uses "wherein" for a more formal tone, implying a specific context or situation within that section.

a part that details

Focuses on the detailing aspect of the chapter, highlighting its descriptive nature.

a segment where

Replaces "chapter" with "segment", suggesting a smaller, less defined section of the text.

a portion illustrating

Highlights the illustrative function of the section, emphasizing examples and demonstrations.

a passage covering

Emphasizes the coverage of a specific topic or event within the passage.

a piece in which

Uses the word "piece" making it suitable when referring to smaller articles or texts.

a chapter that features

Emphasizes specific attributes or elements that are present in the chapter.

an area discussing

Highlights the discussing function of that portion of text.

in a particular chapter

Emphasizes the specification of the chapter where an event occurs.

one chapter describing

Focuses on the describing function of a specific chapter.

FAQs

How can I use "a chapter in which" in a sentence?

Use "a chapter in which" to introduce a specific section of a text that focuses on a particular event, topic, or theme. For example: "There's "a chapter in which" the protagonist confronts their greatest fear."

What are some alternatives to "a chapter in which"?

Alternatives include "a section wherein", "a part that details", or "a segment where". Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance while maintaining the core meaning.

Is it correct to say "in which a chapter" instead of "a chapter in which"?

While grammatically understandable, "in which a chapter" is less common and may sound awkward. "A chapter in which" is the more standard and natural phrasing.

What's the difference between "a chapter in which" and "a chapter that"?

"A chapter in which" typically introduces a clause describing the events, actions, or themes contained within the chapter. "A chapter that" is more general and can describe any attribute of the chapter. For example, ""a chapter in which" the mystery is solved" versus "a chapter that is too long".