affair in which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "affair in which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that involves a particular context or set of circumstances. Example: "The affair in which the negotiations took place was marked by tension and uncertainty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The record is six walks in a game, last accomplished by Jeff Bagwell in 1999 in an extra-inning affair in which he had eight plate appearances.

The New York Times

It was a wild and woolly affair in which he co-drove into sixth place.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a three-set, three-tiebreak affair in which the intensity never dropped.

The New Yorker

There had been just one preview, a stop-go affair in which almost everything went wrong.

The New York Times

It is, at least potentially, an exciting affair in which outsiders, even against great odds, can make a difference.

The Economist

The military affair in which he had been engaged, was as he said, a sideshow of a sideshow.

The New Yorker

Goldschmidt remembered a friendly conversation, before the Corsair affair, in which Kierkegaard seemed to grow larger as he talked.

The New Yorker

Raising children is a communal affair in which the elderly are deeply involved, unlike what happens in most Western countries.

The Economist

Then came the "Crowngate" affair in which footage was edited to imply the Queen stormed out of a photo shoot.

Independent

Saturday's game, a slug-it-out affair in which neither team shot better than 36 percent, fit the mold beautifully.

The New York Times - Sports

Tipping, in this view, is a complicated affair in which it is virtually impossible to establish uniformity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "affair in which" to clearly link an event or situation with its defining characteristic or condition, ensuring a smooth flow of information.

Common error

Avoid using "affair in which" in very casual or informal writing; simpler alternatives like "when" or "where" often provide a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "affair in which" functions as a connective phrase, linking a noun (often describing an event, situation, or matter) to a relative clause that provides further detail or specification about that noun. Ludwig shows it’s used to add context and depth.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "affair in which" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to connect an event or situation with its defining characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct. This phrase is commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, demonstrating a neutral register. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in very informal settings. Alternatives such as "case in which" or "situation where" may be more suitable depending on the nuance you want to convey. When using "affair in which", ensure a clear link between the event and its defining condition for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

case in which

Employs "case" as a substitute for "affair", denoting a particular situation.

context where

Replaces "affair" with "context", focusing on the surrounding circumstances or setting.

situation where

Replaces "affair" with "situation", focusing on the general set of circumstances.

scenario where

Replaces "affair" with "scenario", suggesting a hypothetical or possible situation.

circumstance under which

Substitutes "affair" with "circumstance", highlighting the specific conditions.

event during which

Replaces "affair" with "event", emphasizing a particular occurrence.

development in which

Substitutes "affair" with "development", emphasizing a process or unfolding of events.

instance wherein

Uses a more formal term, "instance", and "wherein" to indicate a specific case.

process where

Replaces 'affair' with 'process', indicating a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end.

undertaking in which

Substitutes "affair" with "undertaking", highlighting a specific project or endeavor.

FAQs

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

Use "affair in which" to connect an event or situation to a specific condition or characteristic. For example, "It was a complicated affair in which many factors played a role."

What are some alternatives to "affair in which"?

Alternatives include "case in which", "situation where", or "event during which", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "affair in which" or "situation in which"?

"Affair in which" implies a specific event or matter, while "situation in which" is broader and more general. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "affair in which" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "affair in which" in formal writing when you need to clearly link a particular event or situation with its specific defining characteristics or conditions, ensuring clarity and precision.