in terms of which

USAGE SUMMARY

"in terms of which" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a particular set of criteria or standards. For example, "We must decide the best course of action in terms of which option is most cost-effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then came Google, and a million listings (literally) ordered in terms of which are most important.

The Guardian - Books

She analysed the work in terms of which drug he was using.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In terms of which candidates the unions will support, probably very little.

The Economist

In terms of which side of the coin they end up on — well, I won't reveal.

The New York Times

"No platform for fascists was clear-cut in terms of which groups were being targeted," Williams explains.

The Guardian

I can only imagine it mattering in terms of which is most useful to get you to read them.

The Guardian - Books

He predicted that the ruling would ultimately prove a "wash" in terms of which party was helped more.

The Guardian

Every mode of understanding has its own ontology, a world of entities in terms of which it expresses its understanding.

The New York Times

Scientists have found that tumors that look the same under the microscope can differ in terms of which genes are active.

The New York Times

Death marks the end in terms of which we can understand the full meaning of someone else's life -- a meaning denied to us in our own life.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"So, first, you should research what they may be seeking for [in terms of which scientific skills and knowledge].

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in terms of which", ensure that the noun or pronoun it refers to is clear and unambiguous to avoid confusion. For instance, rephrase if the referent is too distant in the sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "in terms of which" when the sentence structure obscures the item being referred to. Ensure clarity by placing the clause directly after the noun it modifies or consider restructuring the sentence for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in terms of which" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. It specifies the particular criteria, standards, or aspects relevant to a given situation or decision. Ludwig confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

40%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science & Research

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Functional Linguistics

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in terms of which" is a grammatically correct and frequently employed phrase, primarily functioning as a prepositional phrase to introduce relative clauses. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to specify the criteria or standards used for evaluation, making it valuable in various contexts, especially news and media and science. While it is considered neutral in register, suitable for formal and informal use, some might find alternatives like "regarding which" or "with respect to which" appropriate for specific needs. When writing, ensure the reference noun is unambiguous. Ludwig's analysis underscores its proper function and versatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding which

Focuses on the subject matter under consideration, similar to specifying a particular aspect.

with respect to which

Highlights the specific element or aspect that something relates to, adding a formal tone.

in relation to which

Emphasizes the connection or link between two or more things.

concerning which

Indicates what the discussion or consideration is about, similar to 'regarding'.

about which

Simple and direct way to indicate the topic being discussed or considered.

on the basis of which

Highlights the reasons or justification for a decision or conclusion.

by virtue of which

Focuses on the authority or power that enables something to happen.

according to which

Specifies the source or rule that something follows or is based on.

relative to which

Points out the comparison or standard used to evaluate something.

with regard to which

Similar to 'with respect to', but can also imply a sense of caution or consideration.

FAQs

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

Use "in terms of which" to specify the criteria or standards being used to evaluate something. For example, "The decision was made "in terms of which" option offered the greatest long-term benefits".

What are some alternatives to using "in terms of which"?

You can use alternatives such as "regarding which", "with respect to which", or "concerning which" to vary your writing while maintaining a similar meaning.

Is "in terms of which" formal or informal language?

"In terms of which" is generally considered formal language, suitable for academic, professional, and technical writing. Simpler alternatives may be preferred in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "in terms of which" and "about which"?

"In terms of which" implies a specific set of criteria or standards being applied, while "about which" simply refers to the topic being discussed. For example, "The debate was "about which" candidate was more qualified" versus "The candidates were evaluated "in terms of which" had more experience".