a system in which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “a system in which” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce an explanation of a process or structure, for example: "The school has implemented a system in which students are required to wear uniforms during class hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He represented a system in which everything crumbled.

The New York Times

Theoretically, it is a system in which everybody wins.

The New York Times

It is also a system in which everyone must live.

Harvard Business Review

It relies mainly on a system in which businesses regulate themselves.

The New York Times

Again, does that look like a system in which the players have too much power?

The New Yorker

The President, he continued, is leading us toward a system in which regulation will dominate.

The New Yorker

"These animals are part of a system in which everything is connected.

The New Yorker

"They are looking for the perpetuation of a system in which the army calls the shots".

The Guardian

Simon Cowell has created a system in which all possible outcomes benefit him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A shocking reflection of a society and a system in which facts have become relative.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

What's needed is a thorough overhaul of a system in which corruption is endemic.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing. While "a system in which" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "a framework wherein" or "a mechanism through which".

Common error

Avoid using "a system in which" without clearly specifying what the system entails or how it operates. Vague references can confuse the reader. Instead of saying, "The organization has a system in which decisions are made", be specific: "The organization has a system in which all decisions are reviewed by a committee before implementation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a system in which" functions as a relative clause introducing a description or characteristic of a system. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and serves to define or explain aspects of the system under discussion. Examples from Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a system in which" is a versatile phrase used to introduce explanations and descriptions of various systems. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for numerous contexts, including news, science, and business. To use it effectively, ensure that the following clause clearly defines the system's characteristics. Common alternatives include "an environment where" and "a framework wherein", allowing for nuanced expression. Be mindful of avoiding vague references to maintain clarity in your writing. With its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, mastering this phrase will undoubtedly enhance your writing precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an arrangement in which

Emphasizes the ordered or planned nature of the "system".

an environment where

Replaces "system" with "environment", focusing on the surrounding conditions.

a context where

Similar to "environment where" but with a slightly different connotation.

a mechanism through which

Focuses on the means by which something is achieved within the system.

a framework wherein

Uses "framework" instead of "system", suggesting a more structured approach. "Wherein" is a more formal alternative to "in which".

a model under which

Suggests a guiding example or pattern that the system follows.

a methodology by which

Highlights the method or process aspect of the system.

a process by which

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the system's operation.

a structure that

Replaces "system in which" with a simpler "structure that", slightly altering the complexity.

a setup where

Uses "setup" instead of "system", implying a less formal arrangement.

FAQs

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

Use "a system in which" to describe a structured process or environment where specific rules or conditions apply. For example, "The company implemented "a system in which" employees receive regular performance reviews".

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

Alternatives include "an environment where", "a framework wherein", or "an arrangement in which". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "where" or "in which"?

While "where" can sometimes replace "in which", it's generally more appropriate for locations. For describing systems or processes, "in which" is often clearer and more grammatically precise. However, using "where" might be appropriate in less formal contexts.

What is the difference between "a system in which" and "a process by which"?

"A system in which" refers to an organized set of procedures or components working together, while "a process by which" emphasizes the sequence of steps taken to achieve a particular outcome. "A system" is broader and can include multiple processes.