a state in which

USAGE SUMMARY

"a state in which" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is used to introduce a condition, situation, or circumstance. For example: We must strive to create a state in which all people are respected and treated equally.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a state in which we can be manipulated.

The Guardian - Arts

(d)Host State means a State in which a covered interstate branch is established or acquired.

Cornell University

THE public domain is a state in which creative works fall into or are placed.

The Economist

Does this sound to you like a state in which we should invest our trust?

The Guardian - Opinion

Moksha is a state in which there is no body and no rebirth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The state of moksha is not a state in which the individuality is negated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A state in which renal failure persists after transplantation, thus necessitating dialysis.

Nature

He presides over a state in which unchecked power is wielded arbitrarily and from the top.

The Washington Post

The era of a state in which decisions are made by a small few is over.

The Guardian - Opinion

(It is also a state in which skateboarding is a legal form of transport on roads).

The Guardian

Tennessee is a state in which Republicans cannot assume Democrats cannot capture an open Senate seat.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a state in which" to introduce clauses that describe a specific condition or situation with a certain level of detail or complexity. This phrase works well to clarify the nuances of the state you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "a state in which" in simple sentences where a more direct construction would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or convoluted. In many cases, you can replace it with simpler conjunctions like "where" or "when" for improved clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a state in which" functions as a relative clause introducer, adding detail and specificity to the description of a condition or situation. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, providing numerous examples across various contexts. It allows for a more nuanced understanding compared to simpler conjunctions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a state in which" is a versatile phrase used to introduce detailed descriptions of conditions or situations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, with the analysis revealing its prevalence in neutral to formal registers, especially within News & Media, Scientific, and Academic contexts. While alternatives like "a situation where" exist, "a state in which" offers a distinct emphasis on the condition itself. It's essential to avoid overuse in simple sentences and to ensure clarity. Use it to add detail, but avoid jargon. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig showcase its broad applicability and contextual relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a situation where

Replaces "in which" with "where", focusing on the location or context of the condition.

a condition under which

Emphasizes the limiting or governing circumstances of the situation.

an instance when

Highlights a specific occurrence or example of the situation.

a scenario where

Presents the situation as a hypothetical or possible set of events.

a case in which

Focuses on a particular example or occurrence of the situation.

a circumstance where

Stresses the surrounding factors and details of the situation.

a framework within which

Highlights the structural or organizational context of the situation.

a realm where

Implies a broader or more abstract environment for the situation.

a world where

Suggests a completely different reality or setting for the situation.

a phase during which

Indicates a specific period or stage in which something occurs.

FAQs

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

Use "a state in which" to introduce a clause that describes a particular condition or situation. For example, "The project reached "a state in which" further progress was impossible."

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

Alternatives include "a situation where", "a condition under which", or "an instance when", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "where" instead of "a state in which"?

Sometimes "where" can replace "a state in which" for brevity. However, "a state in which" is useful for describing abstract conditions rather than physical locations. Using it adds a layer of detail to explain complex conditions.

What is the difference between "a state in which" and "in which"?

"A state in which" specifies a particular condition or situation, while "in which" is a more general relative pronoun introducing additional information. "A state in which" is more descriptive and emphatic, highlighting the nature of the condition itself.