an expression of which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an expression of which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific expression or idea that has been previously mentioned or is being elaborated on. Example: "The poem contains several themes, one expression of which is the struggle for identity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He felt he was writing for busy people and much of what he had to say was "commonsense" or "self-evident", an expression of which he was fond (Rothschild, 1972a).

Nature

And if there is any Romanov wealth extant today, who has the right to it now that the principal thieves, the Soviets, have themselves landed on the dustbin of history, to use an expression of which the Marxists were exceedingly fond?

The New York Times - Books

A proposition form is an expression of which the instances (produced as before by appropriate and uniform replacements for variables) are not inferences from several propositions to a conclusion but rather propositions taken individually, and a valid proposition form is one for which all of the instances are true propositions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With the demand for the dollar soaring (an expression of which was the maintenance of the trade deficit), the series of tax cuts should have continued, indeed to the point of the elimination of the tax system.

Forbes

A factor loading was determined for each respondent as an expression of which respondents were associated with each factor and to what degree.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This is one of the moments in Coetzee's work where something stirs; where an expression succeeds which very rarely appears in English-language literature, and tends to sound off-key when it does - an expression of love which is not love for a person, but a tenderness, an empathy, with the very idea of life itself.

The Guardian - Books

But high fashion is usually seen as an expression of femininity, which is why a lot of people don't take it seriously, or see it as an art form.

The New Yorker

ABC News disputed that the program carried a political message, calling it in a statement "an expression of respect which simply seeks to honor those who have laid down their lives for their country".

The New York Times

And it's also an expression of passion, which we all want in our employees, our colleagues and our friends.

Forbes

As in (10), position IV is filled by an expression of predication, which is a descriptive clause or phrase.

Lingua Sinica

Furthermore, the latter strategy of "deep acting" (Hochschild 1983) also results in an expression of feelings, which will be experienced as authentic by the conversation partner.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an expression of which", ensure the connection between the expression and what it refers to is clear to avoid ambiguity. This phrase works best when elaborating on a previously mentioned concept.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences using "an expression of which" that become overly passive or convoluted. Aim for clarity by placing the subject and verb closer together for a more direct statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an expression of which" functions as a relative clause, elaborating on a previously mentioned noun or concept. It introduces a specific instance, manifestation, or representation of the preceding idea. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an expression of which" is a grammatically sound phrase used to elaborate on a previously mentioned concept by providing a specific example or manifestation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While correct, it tends to appear more frequently in formal and scientific contexts, as evidenced by its prevalence in sources like academic journals and reputable news outlets. When writing, ensure clarity by directly connecting the expression to its referent, and be mindful of potentially simpler, more direct alternatives for informal settings. This phrase serves to clarify and expand upon ideas, offering a deeper understanding to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a manifestation of which

Focuses on the tangible or observable result of something rather than just an expression.

a representation of which

Highlights how something symbolizes or stands for something else, shifting the focus to symbolic meaning.

an indication of which

Emphasizes that something serves as a sign or signal, implying a more suggestive than definitive link.

a demonstration of which

Implies a clear and evident display of something, making it more explicit than a mere expression.

an embodiment of which

Suggests that something is a perfect example or representation, adding a sense of completeness.

a reflection of which

Indicates that something mirrors or shows the effects of something else, focusing on the reflective quality.

a symptom of which

Presents something as a sign of an underlying issue, often with negative connotations.

an instance of which

Points to a specific occurrence or example, providing a more concrete illustration.

a form of which

Categorizes something as a type or variant, focusing on classification.

a consequence of which

Highlights the result or outcome of something, shifting the emphasis to causality.

FAQs

How can I use "an expression of which" in a sentence?

Use "an expression of which" to elaborate on a previously mentioned concept or idea, indicating that what follows is a specific manifestation or example of that idea. For instance, "The artwork explored themes of isolation, one "manifestation of which" was the recurring image of a lone figure."

What are some alternatives to "an expression of which"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a manifestation of which", "a representation of which", or "an indication of which" to convey a similar relationship. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

Is it better to use "an expression of which" or a simpler phrase?

While grammatically correct, "an expression of which" can sometimes sound formal or stilted. In many cases, a simpler phrase like "one example is" or "this shows" might be clearer and more direct, especially in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "an expression of which" and "which expresses"?

"An expression of which" introduces a clause that further defines or exemplifies a preceding noun or concept, whereas "which expresses" is a relative clause that directly modifies a noun by stating what it conveys or communicates. The former is more indirect and elaborative, the latter more direct and descriptive.