formula in which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'formula in which' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific formula or process. For example: "The researchers used the formula in which the area of the circle is equal to pi multiplied by the square of its radius."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Both MetalX and Adventure follow the Tony Hawk formula in which players wander around at their own pace.

The New York Times - Tech

"We will find a formula in which the secular state will live in peace with the religious state," he said.

The New York Times

To be taken seriously, the evaluation system must be based on a clear formula in which the student achievement component carries the preponderance of the weight.

The New York Times

It was a simple formula in which he asked, with studied politeness and resolute persistence, very personal questions that often produced penetrating insights into his interviewees' characters.

The Guardian

In a B.C.S. formula in which the lower score is best, Oklahoma's score is 1.80, Ohio State's is 7.52 and U.S.C.'s is 7.71.

The New York Times - Sports

Moreover, the bank allocates aid to the poorest countries according to a formula in which "governance", broadly defined, plays much the biggest role.

The Economist

The normal model of African wildlife tourism follows a tried and tested formula in which animals are seen at astonishingly close quarters, accustomed as they are to motor vehicles and the relative safety of the parks.

The Guardian - Travel

It is a formula in which the coach is as central to a win as the boxer, and in which each is utterly dependent on the other for a successful career.

The New Yorker

He perfected the formula in which hard laughs are annealed with homilies: relinquish your power, follow your bliss, and don't talk out of your ass unless you're Jim Carrey and it totally kills.

The New Yorker

Where conventional voice-and-piano teams follow a formula in which the music swells at dramatic moments, Ms. Stewart and Mr. Charlap use pauses, silences and hushed moments to bring out the interior lives of songs.

The New York Times - Arts

For "Floyd and Clea" turns out to be another variation on that timeworn "Star Is Born" formula, in which one character heads up the path to glory as the other slides down in a bathtub of booze.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formula in which", ensure that the formula is clearly defined or easily understood by your audience. Provide context or a brief explanation if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "formula in which" without clearly specifying what the formula is. This can lead to confusion and ambiguity. Always provide sufficient information for the reader to understand the formula's context and purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formula in which" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun (formula) by providing additional information about it. Ludwig confirms that this usage is grammatically sound and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "formula in which" serves as a relative clause to provide details about a specific formula, its elements, or its operations. According to Ludwig, the usage of "formula in which" is grammatically correct and commonly found across various domains such as News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias. To ensure clarity, always define or explain the formula when using this phrase. Be mindful of less formal alternatives such as "method wherein" when formality isn't required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

method wherein

Replaces "in which" with "wherein", implying a more formal or technical context.

process whereby

Replaces "formula" with "process" and "in which" with "whereby", indicating a specific series of actions or steps.

approach by which

Substitutes "formula" with "approach" and "in which" with "by which", focusing on the means to achieve a result.

mechanism by which

Replaces "formula" with "mechanism" and "in which" with "by which", suggesting a specific functional component.

system under which

Replaces "formula" with "system" and "in which" with "under which", highlighting a structured set of rules or procedures.

strategy wherein

Replaces "formula" with "strategy" and "in which" with "wherein", focusing on a planned series of actions.

framework through which

Substitutes "formula" with "framework" and "in which" with "through which", emphasizing a guiding structure or set of principles.

model through which

Substitutes "formula" with "model" and "in which" with "through which", referring to a simplified representation or explanation.

arrangement under which

Replaces "formula" with "arrangement" and "in which" with "under which", implying an agreement or understanding.

method in that

Slightly alters the phrasing to "method in that", emphasizing a specific aspect or quality of the method.

FAQs

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

The phrase "formula in which" is used to describe a specific method or equation. For example, "The calculation relies on a "formula in which" several variables are considered".

What are some alternatives to "formula in which"?

Alternatives include phrases like "method wherein", "approach by which", or "system under which", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. Each option subtly shifts the emphasis.

Is it correct to say "equation in which" instead of "formula in which"?

While both "equation" and "formula" can be used, "formula" is a more general term. "Equation in which" might be more appropriate when referring to a specific mathematical equation rather than a broader method or procedure.

What's the difference between "method by which" and "formula in which"?

"Method by which" generally refers to a process or technique used to achieve a particular outcome, while "formula in which" specifically refers to a mathematical or symbolic expression. The choice depends on whether you're describing a procedure or a calculation.