a door through which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a door through which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe an opportunity or means of access to something, often in a figurative sense. Example: "Education is a door through which many opportunities can be accessed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Conceptualism keeps open a door through which all kinds of fresh creative impulses can flow.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's like a door through which they can start to practice their citizenship values", she says.

The Guardian

This lush, secluded valley is a star gate, she explained, a door through which one leaves one form of consciousness and joins another.

The New York Times - Travel

No wonder his characters live in a state of existential dread, desperate to find a door through which they can escape.

The New York Times - Books

By playing off Vodafone and Mannesmann against each other, he opened a door through which Vivendi can free itself from a strategic impasse.In this section BA's wheel of fortune PAL's friend Rigged Clinched?

The Economist

The children are young enough so that the passage between their two bedrooms is still umbilical, a door through which writer travels nightly once or twice, between midnight and dawn, sometimes more often.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

What had earlier been a niche on the side grew into a chapel with an offering table and a false door through which the spirit of the deceased could leave and enter the burial chamber.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their revival of "Grease!" turned into a revolving door through which fumbled a succession of celebrities in career limbo, from Brooke Shields to Maureen McCormick of "The Brady Bunch".

The New York Times

South Africa could also use a friendly country as a "back door" through which it could continue trading goods disguised as items from somewhere else.

The New York Times

The kitchen is large, with plenty of crockery, a four-slice toaster, salad spinner and coffee machine – and eventually we notice a back door through which is a utility room (washing machine, microwave, somewhere to put wet swimming things and the dog).

The Guardian - Travel

In two cases the quotations were momentary: Magnus Lindberg's "Feria" steps away from boisterousness at one point to find a dark door, through which it discovers a chord progression from Monteverdi, whereas Richard Strauss, in "Ein Heldenleben," includes brief mementos from his own past.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a door through which" to create vivid imagery when describing opportunities or transitions. It's particularly effective in metaphorical contexts, offering a more evocative alternative to simpler phrases like "means of access".

Common error

Avoid using "a door through which" in purely literal descriptions (e.g., describing a physical door). Opt for simpler language like "the door" or "an entrance" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a door through which" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun (often abstract) and describing the means or opportunity for something to pass or be accessed. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a door through which" is a grammatically sound relative clause used to depict opportunities or means of access. Ludwig's examples reveal that it's most frequently encountered in news and media, and formal contexts. While versatile, it’s best reserved for situations where a more evocative description than a simple "means" or "way" is desired. Remember to ensure it fits naturally within the tone of your writing, as overuse in informal settings might sound stilted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a portal through which

Emphasizes a gateway or entry point, often with a sense of wonder or transformation.

a gateway through which

Suggests a more direct and accessible means of entry.

an avenue through which

Implies a clear path or method for achieving something.

a channel through which

Highlights the transmission or flow of something.

a route through which

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical path taken.

a passage through which

Stresses the act of moving from one place or state to another.

a means by which

A more general way to express how something is accomplished.

a mechanism through which

Implies a structured or systematic process.

an access point for

Focuses on the ability to enter or obtain something.

an entry point to

Similar to access point, but emphasizes the beginning of a process.

FAQs

How can I use "a door through which" in a sentence?

You can use "a door through which" to describe opportunities or pathways, such as, "Education is "a door through which" many can access better career prospects".

What are some alternatives to "a door through which"?

Alternatives include "a portal through which", "a gateway through which", or "an avenue through which", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a door through which" in formal writing?

Yes, "a door through which" is suitable for formal writing. While it can be used metaphorically, it is also grammatically correct and understandable in professional and academic contexts.

What's the difference between "a door through which" and "a way in which"?

"A door through which" often implies a more direct or significant means of access, whereas "a way in which" is a more general term for how something is done. The former suggests a clear path, while the latter is less specific.