a device in which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a device in which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific type of device and how it functions or what it contains. Example: "The smartphone is a device in which users can access the internet, make calls, and take photos."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The film also uses a device in which people speak about Mr. Knight.

The New York Times

A relay is a device in which the solenoid principle is applied to opening and closing light-current electrical circuits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is a device in which a popular tax benefit is put into place and then allowed to expire abruptly to save money.

The New York Times

"The biothesiometer is a device in which the men set their penis into a trough, and it slowly starts to vibrate," he explained.

The New York Times - Science

John was a pioneer of the "gun tunnel", a device in which very high-pressure air drives a piston down a long tube to force a small amount of test gas to accelerate to very high speeds.

The Guardian

She sticks pretty much to Sophocles's version of the story, the oldest and best-known telling that makes sense, but she develops hints in that original text to introduce a device in which the story is told by a crow.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Thus "Wonderland" becomes a striking example of the play-within-a-play device, in which entertainment, grotesquerie and physical suffering are all addressed to onstage viewers.

The New York Times - Arts

Or, for the ambitious, you can try a pi-ku that's both a haiku and a mnemonic device in which the number of characters in each word equals the value of the corresponding digit of pi.

The New York Times

The simulated prototype consists of a corticosterone-loaded polymer patch applied to the skin and connected to a heating device in which an exothermic reaction occurs.

Computers & Chemical Engineering

GEORGETOWN, Colo., Oct. 3 — State and federal investigators on Wednesday traced the source of a deadly fire inside a water tunnel at the Xcel Energy hydroelectric plant to a heated device in which workers were mixing an epoxy-based sealant.

The New York Times

Viewers did not see the Doctor character regenerate from a previous incarnation; regeneration being a plot device in which the character of the Doctor changes body and identity.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a device, clearly specify what the device does or what components it contains using the structure "a device in which". This helps in precise technical or scientific writing.

Common error

Avoid making the sentence too convoluted when using "a device in which". Ensure the description following "in which" remains clear and concise, or consider breaking it into two simpler sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a device in which" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun (device), specifying its characteristics or defining a particular aspect about how it operates. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a device in which" serves to provide a detailed functional or structural description of a device. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently found in scientific, technical, and academic contexts. Its formality is generally neutral, making it suitable for professional communication. Alternatives include "a tool that" or "an apparatus through which", but "a device in which" specifically emphasizes what happens inside the device. When using this phrase, ensure that the description following it remains clear and avoids overly complex sentence structures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tool where

Replaces 'device' with 'tool' and 'in which' with 'where', simplifying the wording.

an apparatus through which

Substitutes 'device' with the more formal 'apparatus' and rephrases 'in which' to 'through which'.

an instrument that

Simplifies the structure, using 'instrument' instead of 'device' and 'that' to introduce the function.

a mechanism that

Replaces 'device' with 'mechanism', focusing on the operational aspect.

a system whereby

Replaces 'device' with 'system' and 'in which' with 'whereby', changing the focus to a more complex setup.

a machine employing

Uses 'machine' instead of 'device' and 'employing' to indicate the method of operation.

a unit utilizing

Replaces 'device' with 'unit' and uses 'utilizing' to describe the function.

equipment for

Replaces the entire phrase with a simpler expression focusing on purpose.

an item featuring

Substitutes 'device' with 'item' and uses 'featuring' to highlight a key attribute.

a setup enabling

Emphasizes the enabling function of the setup rather than a specific device.

FAQs

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

Use "a device in which" to describe the function, components, or properties of a particular device. For example, "A smartphone is "a device in which" various functions are integrated, such as communication, internet access and photography".

What are some alternatives to saying "a device in which"?

You can use alternatives like "a tool that", "an apparatus through which", or "a system whereby" depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it better to use "a device in which" or "a device that"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a device in which" is typically used when describing the inner workings or components of the device, while "a device that" is more general. Choose the option that best fits the context of your sentence.

What's the difference between "a device in which" and "a device with"?

"A device in which" typically refers to the operational or structural aspects contained within the device. Whereas, "a device with" generally refers to its features or characteristics it possesses. For instance, "a phone with a camera" versus ""a device in which" data is processed".