lines in which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lines in which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to specific lines or passages within a text or document that contain particular information or themes. Example: "In the poem, there are several lines in which the author expresses deep sorrow and longing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What offended were lines in which Synge had remodelled a scene in the life of Cuchulain.

The Guardian

In some cases, this includes mutant lines in which individual proteins are absent.

Managing Allergens in Food

She breezily undertook multiple simultaneous story lines in which enthusiasm trumped linear narrative.

The New York Times

However, those results are mostly from cancer cell lines in which signal transduction usually has been dysregulated.

Nature

When you search for Moses, a results window appears, listing all the lines in which Moses is mentioned.

The New York Times - Tech

It's really interesting that each of your characters have had long-running story lines in which you really want children.

The New York Times - Arts

Lines in which a woman's breasts become doves, or apples, remind a western audience of the Bible.

The Guardian - Books

The film was "Behind Enemy Lines," in which Owen Wilson plays a U.S. pilot shot down in Bosnia.

The New Yorker

The dancing refers to jitterbugging, the Charleston and lines in which Lindy Hoppers would follow a leader.

The New York Times - Arts

Of all the Oscar lines in which Mr. Kanter had a hand over the years, one tickled him in particular.

The New York Times - Arts

The TIGER/Line files may depict these opposing traffic lanes as two distinct lines in which case, the road is called separated.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Favor active voice construction for clarity and conciseness when using the phrase, by inverting the structure.

Common error

Avoid using "lines in which" followed by an unclear or overly broad description. Ensure the defining characteristic is specific and directly relevant to the content of the lines being referenced. For example, instead of "lines in which the author expresses feelings", specify "lines in which the author expresses feelings of isolation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lines in which" functions as a relative clause, introducing additional information about specific lines within a text. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound way to reference particular segments. It highlights lines sharing a common characteristic or feature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lines in which" serves as a relative clause, effectively categorizing specific lines of text based on shared attributes. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting diverse writing styles ranging from scientific papers to news articles. It’s most frequently encountered in science and news media, appearing less often in encyclopedias and business contexts. When using "lines in which", precision is key: always ensure the defining characteristic is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity. Consider simpler alternatives like "sentences where" for more direct communication or "passages wherein" for a more formal tone. By mastering these nuances, writers can effectively leverage "lines in which" to enhance clarity and precision in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passages wherein

Replaces "lines" with "passages" and "in which" with "wherein", providing a more formal and literary tone.

sentences where

Substitutes "lines in which" with the simpler "sentences where", making the phrase more concise.

instances in which lines

Adds "instances" to emphasize specific occurrences of lines, increasing the formality.

cases where lines

Replaces "in which" with "where", while focusing on specific cases involving lines.

segments in which

Uses "segments" instead of "lines", referring to portions of text with a specific characteristic.

portions wherein lines

Combines "portions" with "wherein", providing a formal way to reference segments of text.

textual instances where

Emphasizes specific textual occurrences, using "instances" and "where" for a clearer reference.

parts in which

Replaces "lines" with "parts", broadening the reference to any component of a text.

sections that include

Focuses on specific sections, replacing the relative clause with a more direct construction.

areas containing

Uses the term areas and modifies the sentence to be more direct

FAQs

How can I rephrase "lines in which" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use alternatives like "passages wherein" or "instances in which lines", which lend a more literary quality to your writing.

What's a simpler alternative to "lines in which"?

A simpler alternative is "sentences where", which conveys the same meaning in a more concise and straightforward manner.

Is it always necessary to use "lines in which", or are there situations where a different phrase is better?

While "lines in which" is correct, sometimes a more direct construction might be clearer. For example, instead of "lines in which the character speaks", you could say "lines where the character speaks", or rephrase completely.

What is the difference between "lines in which" and "sections that include"?

"Lines in which" refers specifically to individual lines of text. "Sections that include" refers to larger portions of text and is less specific.