context within which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "context within which" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are describing a situation that affects or limits the options available, or when describing a particular framework or setting of a situation. For example: "We must consider the context within which the decision was made in order to understand the reasoning behind it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The context within which this episode took place is slightly more difficult to untangle.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is the context within which the election on 26 February should be understood.

The Guardian

Social media is the new context within which the conventional broadcasters operate.

The Guardian

The Ramists had created a context within which Bacon's call would have peculiar force and meaning.

Britannica

This is the context within which to consider how to vote on AV.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is the city-federal context within which decisions about Franklin Park will be made.

The Washington Post

The context within which Arabs and Muslims live their lives really matters.

The New York Times

Carl Wennerlind reconstructs the intellectual context within which the financial revolution was conceived.

Columbia University

Content is key, but the wider context within which the Olympic Torch Relay sits has produced valuable insights.

The Guardian

It's also a useful context within which to read Leonard Michaels's novel "The Men's Club," first published in 1981.

The New Yorker

For example, the original Google car found it hard to compute the context within which it was operating.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider whether a simpler preposition like 'in' or 'under' might suffice. Overusing complex phrases can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted. If the word 'context' does not add value, consider alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "context within which" when a simpler construction like "in which" or "under which" would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or verbose. Simplicity often enhances clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "context within which" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a clause specifying the framework or circumstances relevant to a particular situation, action, or idea. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it's often used to provide background or understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

29%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "context within which" is a prepositional phrase used to specify the circumstances or framework surrounding a particular situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various domains, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "framework within which" or "environment within which" exist, "context within which" often emphasizes a deeper, more influential relationship. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring that the surrounding text clearly defines the relevant elements to avoid any potential ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

framework within which

Replaces "context" with "framework", emphasizing the structural aspect of the surrounding circumstances.

environment within which

Substitutes "context" with "environment", highlighting the surrounding conditions and influences.

setting in which

Uses "setting" instead of "context", focusing on the background or location of an event or situation.

circumstances in which

Replaces "context" with "circumstances", emphasizing the specific conditions surrounding an event.

the backdrop against which

Uses "backdrop" to suggest the scene or setting against which something occurs.

the situation in which

Replaces "context" with "situation", focusing on the current state of affairs.

the conditions under which

Emphasizes the terms or requirements that influence an event.

the sphere in which

Uses "sphere" to denote the area or scope of influence.

the framework wherein

A more formal substitution of "context" with "framework" and "which" with "wherein".

the arena wherein

A more formal way of saying "context", suggesting a place where events occur.

FAQs

How can I use "context within which" in a sentence?

Use "context within which" to specify the circumstances or framework that influences an event or decision, as in "We must understand the "context within which" the policy was created to appreciate its goals."

What are some alternatives to "context within which"?

You can use alternatives like "framework within which", "environment within which", or "setting in which" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "context in which" the same as "context within which"?

While similar, "context within which" often implies a more deeply embedded or influential relationship between the context and the subject, whereas "context in which" can be a more general reference to the surrounding circumstances.

When is it appropriate to use "context within which" instead of "in which"?

Use "context within which" when you want to specifically emphasize the importance of the surrounding circumstances as a defining factor, compared to simply stating "in which".