a collection of which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a collection of which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific group or set of items that have been previously mentioned, indicating that you are discussing a subset of that collection. Example: "The library has several rare manuscripts, a collection of which is on display this month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The surrealists collected random objects (a collection of which is now on display in Houston in the Menil Collection).

The Guardian - Books

The stag line is not a collection of which any hostess can be proud.

The New Yorker

By Ellin Mackay The stag line is not a collection of which any hostess can be proud.

The New Yorker

In addition to his eisteddfodic compositions, he wrote many hymns, a collection of which was published in 1862.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On Sundays, he contributes to another body of work, using scraps of found paper to create collages, a collection of which will eventually appear in a book.

The New York Times

Accounts by the victims, a collection of which were released on compact disc in April, were rarely subjected to cross-examination, often uncorroborated, and sometimes contradicted.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

This special issue of JPDC is devoted to a collection of articles which are representative of the areas to which parallel and distributed simulation are now being applied.

Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing

GLASS is a collection of pieces, which are either made of glass or which use glass as a found object.

Vice

"I collected them when I was a child and had a collection of 53, which I lost in my divorce.

The New York Times - Magazine

The reading list is a collection of papers, which is posted on the course web page.

Stanford University

In its purest form, a newspaper consists of a collection of facts which, in controlled circumstances, can actively improve knowledge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a collection of which" to precisely specify that you are referring to a subset of a previously mentioned larger group, enhancing clarity and avoiding ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a collection of which" in simple sentences where a direct and less verbose phrasing would be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The museum had many artifacts, a collection of which was from Egypt", consider "The museum had many artifacts, some of which were from Egypt."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a collection of which" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun phrase. It introduces a subset or specific group from a larger set, providing further detail or specification about the items being discussed. Ludwig provides several examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a collection of which" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to specify a particular subset or group from a larger set. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, indicating a neutral to formal register. While effective for precise communication, it is crucial to avoid overuse in simpler sentences where more direct alternatives suffice. Alternatives include phrases like "some of which" and "a portion of which". Overall, its correct usage can enhance the clarity and sophistication of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subset of which

Replaces "collection" with "subset", emphasizing the mathematical concept of a subset.

a group of which

Replaces "collection" with the more general term "group".

a portion of which

Uses "portion" instead of "collection", focusing on a quantity or share.

some of which

A more general way of indicating a part of a larger group.

a selection of which

Emphasizes the act of choosing specific items from the larger group.

a number of which

Focuses on a numerical quantity from the larger group.

a segment of which

Implies that the items are parts of a whole, more structured entity.

a sample of which

Suggests that the items are representative of the larger group.

a component of which

Highlights the items as integral parts of a larger system or structure.

an assortment of which

Suggests a varied mix within the larger group.

FAQs

How can I use "a collection of which" in a sentence?

Use "a collection of which" to refer to a specific group or set of items that are part of a larger set already mentioned. For example: "The library has several rare manuscripts, a collection of which is on display this month."

What are some alternatives to using "a collection of which"?

You can use alternatives like "some of which", "a subset of which", or "a portion of which" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a collection of which" and "some of which"?

"A collection of which" specifically implies a curated or grouped subset, while "some of which" is a more general term that simply indicates a part of the larger group without necessarily implying a formal collection.

When is it best to use "a collection of which" over simpler alternatives?

Use "a collection of which" when you want to emphasize that you are referring to a specifically gathered or curated subset within a larger group, providing a more formal or precise tone than alternatives like "some of which".