design of which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "design of which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific design in a formal or academic context, often when discussing the characteristics or features of that design. Example: "The project includes a new building, the design of which emphasizes sustainability and energy efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The glass is made from Joseph's own design, of which one of the most popular is the "flame design".

The New Yorker

She is completing a film, "Dance by Design," of which she is the director and a writer and producer.

The New York Times - Style

Red and ochre predominate in the carpet, the main design of which is of riders, stags, and griffins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Afterwards, it was rebuilt with baroque churches and the optimistic dome of St Paul's, the geometric design of which epitomised the new scientific spirit of the Royal Society.

The Guardian

The event was at the wonderful Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central station, the awe-inspiring design of which puts London rail terminals to shame.

The Guardian

The object of his quest "is elusive," and he is beset "by agents of a larger design of which he is only dimly aware".

The New York Times

We look at our boards, strapped to the roof of Jason, Ed's white Ambassador car, the design of which has changed little since its creation in 1958.

The Guardian - Travel

A patient's blood is run through an external device that contains a system of microfluidic channels, the design of which is inspired by the spleen.

MIT Technology Review

On the slabs are fixed amazingly sharp pictures of manhole covers, the design of which is evidently a high art in Japan.

The New York Times

The Presidential Service Badge ("Badge") is hereby continued, the design of which accompanies and is hereby made a part of this order.

Cornell University

Sec. 3. The Vice Presidential Service Badge shall be accompanied by a certificate, the design of which is attached hereto and is made a part of this Order.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "design of which", ensure the preceding noun clearly refers to a specific object or concept. This maintains clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "design of which" when the connection between the design and the preceding noun is unclear. Reword the sentence to explicitly state the relationship or use a simpler construction like "whose design".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "design of which" functions as a relative clause, modifying a preceding noun by providing additional information about its design. This usage is confirmed by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as correct. For example, "the geometric design of which epitomised the new scientific spirit" provides more information about the geometric design.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

27%

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Academia

13%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "design of which" is a grammatically correct phrase used to provide additional information about a design, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a relative clause, often found in formal contexts such as scientific publications, news articles, and encyclopedias. While effective in adding detail, simpler alternatives like "whose design" might be preferable in less formal settings. The phrase is very common across various sources, with strong representation in science, news media, and encyclopedic content. Always ensure clarity in relating the design to its antecedent noun to maintain effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whose design

Replaces "of which" with "whose", emphasizing possession or attribution of the design.

the design for which

Shifts the focus to the purpose of the design, implying a specific reason or function.

a design that

Uses a simpler relative clause structure, omitting "of which" for brevity.

the design whereof

Employs a more archaic and formal equivalent of "of which".

in its design

Focuses on inherent qualities or attributes present within the design itself.

with a design that

Highlights a specific element or feature incorporated into the design.

the designing of which

Emphasizes the action of designing rather than the design itself.

the way it's designed

Uses a more informal phrasing to describe the design's characteristics.

its design

A more concise way of referring to the design, suitable for less formal contexts.

the plans of which

Focuses specifically on the blueprint or planned aspects of the design.

FAQs

How can I use "design of which" in a sentence?

Use "design of which" to refer back to a specific noun. For example, "The building, the "design of which" was inspired by nature, won an award."

What are some alternatives to "design of which"?

Alternatives include "whose design", "the design for which", or a simpler construction like "a design that", depending on the context.

Is "design of which" formal or informal?

"Design of which" is generally considered more formal. In less formal contexts, using "whose design" or "its design" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "design of which" and "whose design"?

"Design of which" is a relative clause construction that refers back to a noun, while "whose design" is a possessive determiner. Both can often be used interchangeably, but "whose design" is typically more direct and less formal.