fields in which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fields in which" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to different areas of knowledge and experience. For example, "He won awards in many fields in which he had expertise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mentions other fields in which operated.

The New Yorker

Mentions other fields in which franchises were offered.

The New Yorker

These are also fields in which nearby nations excel.

Nature

One problem is the narrowness of the fields in which the prizes are awarded.

The New Yorker

An important step is to identify the fields in which to search.

Harvard Business Review

There are few other fields in which Britain is so plainly a world leader.

The Guardian

AMONG the many fields in which Americans excel are technological wizardry and not speaking foreign languages.

The Economist

The regions have administrative competence in all fields in which they have legislative competence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ornithology is one of the few scientific fields in which nonprofessionals make substantial contributions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Research and teaching assistantships are available in the fields in which the department is active.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They were his first fields, in which he learned that nothing is big enough to knock you down.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fields in which", ensure the noun following "in which" directly relates to the preceding noun for clarity. For example, instead of "areas in which challenges exist", consider "fields in which researchers face challenges".

Common error

Avoid using "fields in which" when a simpler preposition like "where" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fields in which" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun (usually "fields", "areas", "domains", etc.) and specifying the context or scope within that noun. This is evident in examples from Ludwig, such as "the fields in which customers operate."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

11%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fields in which" is a versatile phrase used to specify the areas or contexts relevant to a discussion. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains. It serves to clarify and provide specific information, particularly in formal writing. While highly prevalent in news, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, remember that simpler alternatives like "where" may suffice in less formal settings. Be mindful of potential ambiguity and overuse to ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

areas where

Simplifies the phrasing by using "where" instead of "in which", creating a more direct expression.

areas in which

Replaces "fields" with a synonym, altering the imagery while maintaining the core meaning.

contexts where

Focuses on the specific situations or backgrounds, instead of the areas themselves.

sectors in which

Substitutes "fields" with "sectors", implying a more structured or economic context.

domains in which

Uses "domains" instead of "fields", suggesting a more technical or specialized area.

disciplines in which

Uses "disciplines" instead of "fields", emphasizing structured areas of knowledge or practice.

realms in which

Replaces "fields" with "realms", conveying a sense of scope or influence.

subjects in which

Replaces "fields" with "subjects", focusing on areas of study or discussion.

spheres in which

Uses "spheres" as a substitute for "fields", implying distinct areas of activity or influence.

arenas in which

Substitutes "fields" with "arenas", suggesting areas of competition or activity.

FAQs

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

Use "fields in which" to describe specific areas of study, activity, or expertise. For example: "Medicine and engineering are "fields in which" significant advancements are constantly being made."

What can I say instead of "fields in which"?

You can use alternatives like "areas where", "domains in which", or "sectors in which" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "where" or "in which" after "fields"?

While both are grammatically correct, "where" is generally more concise and preferred in informal contexts. "In which" is often used in more formal writing when greater emphasis is placed on the relationship between the field and the subsequent clause.

What is the difference between "fields in which" and "areas where"?

Both phrases serve a similar purpose, but "fields in which" may imply a more defined and established domain, while "areas where" can refer to more general or less structured contexts.