concept in which

USAGE SUMMARY

"concept in which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a clause in a sentence that defines or explains a concept that was just mentioned. For example, "The Big Bang Theory is a scientific concept in which the universe is believed to have begun with a rapid expansion of matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What is the "new organizational concept" in which Nabuur's founder, Siegfried Woldhek, is interested?

The New York Times

Trinity Mirror is pioneering a "page creator concept", in which reporters take responsibility for what appears in the finished pages.

The Guardian

ZECA is pursuing a concept in which fossil feedstock is gasified to produce hydrogen and CO2.

Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies - 6th International Conference Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies 1 – 4 October 2002, Kyoto, Japan

Northern soldiers fought for "union," a concept in which the needs of the nation transcended those of its component parts.

The New York Times - Books

Its disadvantage may be the daring concept, in which a number of fictional horror story characters – Dracula, Frankenstein's monster and Dorian Gray – are living in Victorian London.

The Guardian

The family concept, in which we visit the contestants' hometowns, is a major marketing tool that touches every aspect of "American Idol".

The New York Times - Arts

Most reality shows until now have been bought from a big concept, in which programmers had to gamble by committing to a full series of episodes.

The New York Times

The schedule turns out to run on what is referred to as "Malawi time", an increasingly flexible concept in which almost anything can happen.

The Guardian - Music

Also employed in subdivision is the zone concept, in which it is the fossils in the rocks rather than the lithologic character that defines minor stratigraphic boundaries.

Britannica

What we don't see is that freedom is not a concept in which people can do anything they want, be anything they can be.

The New York Times

He rightly remarks that Einsteinian physics frames time as a relative concept in which the line between past and future varies with the observer.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When defining a complex idea, use "concept in which" to clearly introduce the core elements or mechanisms involved. This helps readers grasp the underlying structure of the concept.

Common error

Ensure the clause following "concept in which" directly defines the concept, rather than providing tangential information. Avoid vague or overly complex phrasing that obscures the concept's core meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "concept in which" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a relative clause, defining or explaining a previously mentioned concept. It specifies the relationship between the concept and its core characteristics or mechanisms, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "concept in which" is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction to define a concept by introducing a relative clause. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's used to specify the relationship between the concept and its core characteristics. It's most commonly found in scientific and news-related contexts, with a neutral to slightly formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure that the following clause clearly defines the concept to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "idea whereby" or "principle by which" can be considered for subtle shifts in meaning. Overall, "concept in which" is a versatile tool for clear and structured communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

idea whereby

Replaces "concept" with "idea" and uses "whereby" to indicate the means or process.

notion under which

Substitutes "concept" with "notion" and uses "under which" to suggest a set of conditions or rules.

principle by which

Replaces "concept" with "principle" and uses "by which" to indicate the method or cause.

framework wherein

Substitutes "concept" with "framework" and "in which" with "wherein", a more formal alternative.

system where

Replaces "concept" with "system" and "in which" with "where", indicating a location or context.

model through which

Replaces "concept" with "model" and uses "through which" to suggest a process or pathway.

approach that involves

Uses a more descriptive structure, focusing on the elements involved in the approach.

method that utilizes

Emphasizes the tools or resources used within the method.

perspective that considers

Highlights the viewpoint or considerations within the perspective.

understanding that includes

Focuses on the elements encompassed within the understanding.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "concept in which" in a sentence?

Use "concept in which" to introduce a defining characteristic or core mechanism of a particular idea. For example, "Sustainable development is a "concept in which" economic growth is balanced with environmental protection".

What are some alternatives to using "concept in which"?

Alternatives include phrases like "idea whereby", "notion under which", or "principle by which", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative offers a slightly different perspective on the relationship between the concept and its defining characteristics.

Is it appropriate to use "concept in which" in formal writing?

Yes, "concept in which" is suitable for formal writing. It is often found in academic and professional contexts, demonstrating its acceptability in formal settings. However, you could also consider using phrases like "framework wherein" for an even more formal tone.

What is the difference between "concept in which" and "idea about"?

"Concept in which" is used to define the core elements or mechanisms of a concept, while "idea about" is more general and can refer to thoughts, opinions, or beliefs regarding a subject. Use "concept in which" when you want to specify the key features that constitute the concept.