a loophole through which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a loophole through which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a gap or ambiguity in rules or laws that allows for an unintended advantage or escape from obligations. Example: "The company exploited a loophole through which they could avoid paying taxes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This is a loophole through which they could easily ferry truckloads of cash.

The New York Times

A common criticism has always been that the definition of "capital" is too slippery and could too easily become a loophole through which consumption spending could escape.

The New York Times

Congress moved decisively today toward enacting the first major change in the nation's campaign finance law since 1979, closing a loophole through which millions of dollars have secretly flowed.

The New York Times

Congressional action would also be required to close a loophole through which fund advisers can avoid S.E.C. governance rules, something Donald A. Yacktman, manager of the Yacktman Funds, did in 1998.

The New York Times

The saddest part of the diaries recounts how, during an interval when he returns to the backbenches, still hoping for something better at ministerial level, he wonders how, in divisions on the Iraq war, he can find "a loophole through which I can crawl, principles and job prospects intact".

The Guardian - Books

Algeria in turn does not want vacuum and a loophole through which terrorism can slip into its homeland.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This will require the government to legislate on the issue, thus removing a major loophole through which the scammers can drive a coach and horses.

The Guardian - Tech

But the deficit isn't what has some Dems antsy -- rather, they're concerned about a revenue-raiser in the bill that would close a tax loophole through which rich investment fund managers would otherwise funnel $18 billion to themselves over the next ten years.

Huffington Post

The United States does not, and the tax code contains a huge loophole through which to pass wealth to one's heirs.

The New York Times

The last step came after House members had gone home for the holidays but left themselves a parliamentary loophole through which to pass unoffending legislation.

Science Magazine

But Bush then said the notorious gun show loophole, through which anyone can buy a gun at a show or online without a license or background check, so long as they did not sell guns en masse, "doesn't exist".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a loophole through which" to precisely describe situations where existing rules or laws contain unintentional ambiguities or gaps that can be exploited.

Common error

Avoid using "a loophole through which" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a way around" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a loophole through which" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun. It specifies the means or mechanism by which something can be circumvented or avoided. Ludwig highlights that it is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a loophole through which" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase, as verified by Ludwig, for describing the means of circumventing a rule or law by exploiting a weakness. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, and can be used in formal business or technical writing. When considering alternatives, prioritize those which most closely preserve the sense of exploiting a gap. Be mindful of the context: while appropriate for news articles, more casual phrasing might be preferred in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gap that allows

Focuses on the allowance aspect of the loophole, emphasizing the enabling nature of the gap.

an ambiguity enabling

Highlights the ambiguity as the key factor that enables a certain outcome or action.

a legal oversight permitting

Specifically refers to a legal context and uses "permitting" to indicate allowance.

an escape route for

Emphasizes the aspect of evading something, similar to escaping a restriction.

a way to circumvent

Focuses on the act of avoiding or going around a rule or regulation.

a means of bypassing

Highlights the method used to avoid a certain obstacle or restriction.

a flaw exploited to

Emphasizes the negative aspect of a flaw being used for a specific purpose.

an opening to evade

Highlights the chance or opportunity to avoid something.

a technicality permitting

Focuses on a minor technical detail that allows for a certain action.

an exception allowing

Emphasizes the idea of a specific exception that makes something permissible.

FAQs

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

Use "a loophole through which" to describe how someone or something bypasses a rule or law. For instance, "The company discovered "a loophole through which" they could reduce their tax burden".

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

Alternatives include "a gap that allows", "an ambiguity enabling", or "an escape route for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a loophole through which" formal or informal?

"A loophole through which" is generally considered neutral to formal, suitable for news articles, legal documents, and business reports. In casual contexts, simpler phrasing might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a loophole through which" and "a way around"?

"A loophole through which" implies a flaw or ambiguity in a system that allows for exploitation. "A way around" is more general and can refer to any method of avoiding a problem or obstacle, not necessarily one that exploits a flaw.