a passage in which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a passage in which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific section of text that contains particular information or context. Example: "In a passage in which the author discusses the theme of isolation, we see a deep exploration of the character's inner thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mathis read a passage in which Slahi described improving his English.

The New Yorker

(The song also had a passage in which Moussa Sissoko's tama drum became a melody instrument).

The New York Times - Arts

'Is that expert, artistic writing?' it would ask, having cited a passage in which a phrase was several times repeated.

The Guardian - Books

Take a passage in which Hillary, while still a student at Wellesley, is dating a young man named David Rupert.

The New Yorker

Beatty read a passage in which a son reflects on the legacy of his sociologist father in his The Sellout.

The Guardian - Books

A passage in which the senators discuss the possible execution of a band of traitors is rousingly good.

The New York Times - Books

For much of last year, Mr. Bush's stump speech included a passage in which he acknowledged that the leap from governor to president would be a big one.

The New York Times

This follows a passage in which we see a blood-red cord drawn from her womb and used to bind her.

The Guardian

In "Still Talking," there's a passage in which Rivers expresses her disgust "that the public buys the hypocrisy of the men revered as national institutions".

The New Yorker

A throaty cello monologue in the second movement is followed by a passage in which flute and violin curl seductively around a lonely clarinet.

The New York Times - Arts

In "Gemini," the Tournier book, there is a passage in which the surviving brother compares his amputated limb to his dead twin.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a passage in which" to clearly and concisely refer to a specific section of text containing particular information or events. It helps create a smooth flow when analyzing or referencing textual content.

Common error

Ensure that the context makes it clear which text you are referring to. Avoid vague references; specify the source if there could be any confusion about which "passage" you mean.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a passage in which" functions as a relative clause introducer. It connects a specific section of text to a description or event occurring within that section. It commonly introduces further detail or analysis regarding the selected passage, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a passage in which" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to refer to specific sections of text where particular events, descriptions, or ideas are presented. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It is most commonly found in news and media, scientific writing, and even Wikipedia, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing while maintaining clarity and precision. When using this phrase, remember to clearly identify the text you are referencing to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "a section where" or "a part that describes" can be used for simplification in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a section wherein

Replaces "in which" with "wherein", offering a slightly more formal tone while maintaining the same meaning.

a part where

Simplifies the phrase, using "where" instead of "in which", making it less formal.

a segment featuring

Replaces the relative clause with a participle phrase, emphasizing the content of the passage.

an excerpt detailing

Uses "excerpt" to specify a smaller portion and "detailing" to highlight its descriptive nature.

a portion illustrating

Emphasizes the illustrative function of the passage using "illustrating".

a paragraph describing

Specifies the passage as a "paragraph" and focuses on its descriptive purpose.

a verse presenting

Suitable when referring to poetry or song, highlighting the act of presenting something.

a stanza containing

Like 'a verse presenting', is suitable when referring to poetry or song, and focuses on the inclusion of something.

a point at which

Shifts the focus from the passage itself to a specific moment or juncture in the text.

a juncture at which

Similar to 'a point at which', highlights a critical moment or turning point in the narrative.

FAQs

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

Use "a passage in which" to introduce a specific excerpt from a text that contains a particular idea, event, or description. For example, "Consider "a passage in which" the author describes the protagonist's childhood."

What are some alternatives to "a passage in which"?

Alternatives include "a section where", "a part that describes", or "a segment featuring", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it better to say "a passage in which" or "a passage where"?

While "a passage where" is sometimes used informally, "a passage in which" is generally considered more grammatically correct and is preferred in formal writing. "Where" typically refers to a location, while "in which" can refer to a circumstance or condition.

What is the difference between "a passage in which" and "in that passage"?

"A passage in which" introduces a relative clause that describes the passage itself, while "in that passage" refers back to a specific passage already mentioned, indicating location or action happening directly within it.