in which both

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in which both" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is usually used to refer to two separate things. For example, "My class has two sections, in which both are very challenging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There will be more families in which both spouses work.

The New York Times

income couples in which both work full time.

The Washington Post

The program is viewed as a framework in which both academic and professional concerns are explored.

Columbia University

a form of red-green colorblindness in which both reds and greens look greenish-gray.

University of California, Berkeley

On one end is a holiday season in which both Christmas and New Year's fall midweek.

The New York Times

"It is one in which both parties to the past relationship wish to keep it private".

The Guardian

Compromises in which both sides come away reasonably content are unusual.

The New York Times

The end, in which both brothers feel better, feels like a hard-won minor miracle.

The New Yorker

Eisenhower in which both emphasize the real danger of Soviet power.

The New Yorker

"He was a passenger in a friend's car, in which both lost their lives.

The Guardian - Film

Then came the diagramed deal, in which both teams reached three no-trump.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in which both" to clearly indicate a situation or context where two specific elements are involved or affected. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in which both" in very simple sentences where a more direct construction would suffice. For example, instead of "a situation in which both options are viable", consider "both options are viable".

Linguistic Context

"In which both" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. It serves to specify a particular context, situation, or condition in which two distinct entities or aspects are involved. According to Ludwig, this structure is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

13%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science & Research

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Opinion

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in which both" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction that introduces a relative clause specifying a context or condition shared by two entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile enough for news, academic writing, and encyclopedic entries. When writing, use "in which both" to ensure clarity when highlighting two specific elements within a situation. While generally suitable, avoid overuse in simple sentences where direct phrasing is more effective. Consider alternatives like "where both" or "wherein both" depending on the context and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

where both

This alternative replaces the prepositional phrase "in which" with the single word "where", simplifying the structure while maintaining the same meaning concerning location or situation.

in which they both

This explicitly includes the pronoun "they", making the sentence more direct and sometimes less concise.

wherein both

This substitutes "in which" with "wherein", creating a more formal and slightly archaic tone, suitable for legal or highly formal contexts.

in which the two

This alternative specifies "the two" instead of "both", emphasizing that there are exactly two items or entities involved.

a case in which both

This presents the relationship as a specific "case", often implying an example or instance being discussed.

in a context where both

This adds emphasis on the "context", highlighting the environment or situation in which the two entities interact or exist.

in situations where both

This focuses on specific "situations", suggesting that the relationship or interaction is not constant but occurs under specific conditions.

a scenario in which both

This frames the relationship within a "scenario", implying a specific, possibly hypothetical, setting.

where each

This shifts the focus to individuality by using "each" instead of "both", implying a separate but parallel action or state for each of the two entities.

under circumstances where both

This emphasizes the specific "circumstances" influencing the two entities, suggesting a conditional or situational relationship.

FAQs

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

Use "in which both" to introduce a clause that describes a situation, context, or condition where two entities or aspects are involved. For example, "It was a compromise "in which both sides" came away reasonably content".

What are some alternatives to using "in which both"?

Alternatives include "where both", "wherein both", or rephrasing the sentence to directly state the involvement of the two elements. Choose the alternative that best fits the tone and context of your writing. For example, instead of “a scenario in which both parties benefit”, consider “"where both parties" benefit”.

Is it grammatically correct to say "in which both"?

Yes, "in which both" is grammatically correct and commonly used to introduce a clause specifying that two things share a certain condition or relationship.

What is the difference between "in which both" and "where both"?

"In which both" is a prepositional phrase that introduces a relative clause, while "where both" is a relative adverb also introducing a relative clause. They are often interchangeable, but "in which both" may be preferred in more formal writing. For example, “a framework in which both are explored” versus “a framework "where both are" explored”.