a hole through which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hole through which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an opening that allows passage or visibility from one side to another. Example: "The wall had a hole through which the light streamed into the dark room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

There might or might not be a hole through which she could defecate.

The New York Times

In that case, the page would have a hole through which the candy insert is projected.

The New York Times

Bleeding heart liberals tend to blame the growth of gang culture on poverty and lack of opportunity – a hole through which the dispossessed working-class must inevitably fall.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

As the acidity increases, the virus undergoes a structural shift and its membrane merges with the endosome's and opens a hole through which the virus can enter the main part of the cell.

Stanford University

This structure, which is composed of complement proteins C5 through C9, inserts itself into the membrane of the invading pathogen and creates a hole through which the cell contents leak out, killing the cell.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Bosch-like tortures, played for laughs, include a gang of devils prodding newly arrived prisoners with pitchforks, women turning rotisserie-style over an open flame, and a couple dropped down a hole through which dark fluid then sprays out.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Most have a small hole through which a mature wasp has made its exit.Overhead, Canada geese announce their presence with unmelodious honking.

The New York Times

In testing, films are attached to a substrate provided with a circular hole, through which loading is applied to the film by a flat-ended shaft of circular cross-section.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

But a window opens us up to a piece of a city -- gives us a peeping hole through which to take in the city's beauty in parts.

Huffington Post

An image of a building that features a large hole through which you can see the sky allows the viewer to slide from outside in.

HuffPost

The light reflects off the retina and back through a small hole, through which the examiner sees a nonstereoscopic magnified image of the structures at the back of the eye.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hole through which" to vividly describe passages or openings, whether literal or figurative, emphasizing what moves or is seen through them. For varied writing, consider synonyms such as "an opening through which" or "a passage through which."

Common error

While effective for describing physical openings, avoid using "a hole through which" in overly abstract or conceptual contexts where a simpler phrase like "a means by which" or "a channel for" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hole through which" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun. It specifies the purpose or characteristic of the noun by describing what can pass or be viewed through the opening. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a hole through which" is a grammatically correct and common prepositional phrase used to describe an opening that allows passage or visibility. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalence across diverse sources, including news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it is best used in contexts where a physical opening is being described. Alternatives like "an opening through which" or "a passage through which" can offer subtle variations in emphasis. When employing the phrase, ensure it accurately and vividly portrays the intended scene or concept. Overusing it in very abstract and conceptual contexts, is something you should avoid.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an opening through which

Replaces "hole" with a more general term, softening the imagery.

a passage through which

Focuses on the act of passing through, rather than the physical opening.

an aperture allowing

Uses a more technical term for opening, highlighting its function.

a conduit for

Implies a channel or means for conveying something.

a portal to

Suggests a more significant or metaphorical opening.

a window onto

Emphasizes the view or perspective offered by the opening.

a gateway leading to

Highlights the entrance aspect and the destination.

a channel connecting to

Focuses on connection function of the opening.

a route permitting

Underscores the permission of movement through the opening.

a path facilitating

Highlights the easy movement allowed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a hole through which" to describe an opening that allows something to pass or be seen. For example, "The fence had "a hole through which" the dog escaped."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "an opening through which", "a passage through which", or "an aperture allowing".

Is there a figurative use of "a hole through which"?

Yes, you can use it figuratively to describe a gap or vulnerability. For instance, "The loophole in the law created "a hole through which" the company avoided taxes."

What is the difference between "a hole through which" and "a gap through which"?

While both describe openings, "a hole through which" implies a more defined and often physical opening, whereas "a gap through which" can suggest a less distinct or more abstract space. For example "The curtains had "a gap through which" light came" instead of saying "The curtains had "a hole through which" light came".