contexts in which

USAGE SUMMARY

"contexts in which" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a specific situation or setting in which something happens or is considered. For example: - "One major challenge for language learners is understanding the contexts in which certain words or phrases are appropriate to use." - "The researcher analyzed the various contexts in which the term 'freedom' was used throughout history." - "It is important for teachers to create diverse learning environments that reflect the different contexts in which their students come from."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are easy contexts in which to place this incident.

The New Yorker

We must always interpret symbols only in the contexts in which they occur.

The Guardian - Opinion

It ignores the cultural equipment and contexts in which someone responds to a work of art.

The Guardian - Arts

Each article functions as a window into the local contexts in which the riots unfolded.

The Guardian

Many multinationals are powerful enough to alter the contexts in which they operate.

Harvard Business Review

There, he focused his attention increasingly on the social and institutional contexts in which accounting operates.

The Guardian

Here are three of the most popular forms and the contexts in which each works best.

Harvard Business Review

To understand accounting properly, he argued, requires analysis of the contexts in which it takes place.

The Guardian

The different contexts in which felt presences occur give us some clues about what might be happening.

The Guardian

It inspired his rich textures, inviting physical contact as well as determining the contexts in which the works were shown.

The Guardian - Arts

(I infer these meanings from the contexts in which the words are used, as any reader may do).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contexts in which", ensure that the clause following it clearly specifies the situation or conditions you're referring to. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "contexts in which" when a simpler alternative like "where" or "when" would suffice. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contexts in which" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. It connects a noun or idea to the specific circumstances, settings, or conditions where it exists or operates, providing a frame of reference for understanding its meaning or impact. This is supported by the Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contexts in which" is a grammatically correct and widely used prepositional phrase that introduces relative clauses. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to specify the situations, circumstances, or environments relevant to a particular topic, idea, or event. Its usage spans across various domains, including news, science, and academia, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. While simpler alternatives like "where" exist, "contexts in which" provides a more nuanced way to emphasize the influence of specific settings. The phrase's frequent occurrence in authoritative sources reinforces its validity and usefulness in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

settings in which

Synonymous replacement of "contexts" with "settings" maintains near identical meaning.

situations where

Replaces "in which" with "where", simplifying the structure while retaining the core meaning.

circumstances in which

Substitutes "contexts" with "circumstances", adding a slightly more formal tone.

cases where

Uses "cases" to refer to specific instances or occurrences.

scenarios where

Replaces "contexts" with "scenarios", suggesting a more hypothetical or illustrative situation.

environments where

Focuses on the surroundings or conditions as the determining factor.

the conditions under which

Highlights the prevailing circumstances that affect an event or action.

situations in that

A slightly more formal alternative, replacing "which" with "that".

the framework in which

Replaces "contexts" with "framework", emphasizing the underlying structure.

the backdrop against which

Metaphorically describes the contexts as a backdrop and changes the preposition to "against".

FAQs

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

Use "contexts in which" to introduce specific situations or conditions. For example, "Consider the "contexts in which" this rule does not apply."

What are some alternatives to "contexts in which"?

You can use alternatives like "situations where", "circumstances in which", or simply "where", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "contexts in which" and "situations where"?

While both phrases are similar, "contexts in which" can refer to broader frameworks, while "situations where" often implies more specific occurrences or scenarios.

When should I use "contexts in which" instead of "where"?

Use "contexts in which" when you want to emphasize the framework or environment influencing an event or action. "Where" is suitable for simpler cases referring to a place or location.