metaphor in which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "metaphor in which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific metaphor that involves a particular context or scenario. Example: "In the poem, the author employs a metaphor in which the sea represents the vastness of human emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

They provide a kind of guiding metaphor, in which parents are coaches and kids are athletes.

The New Yorker

In your piece, you raise the athletic metaphor, in which top business-school grads are analogous to great natural athletes.

The New Yorker

The slum constitutes the human manure (a ubiquitous Azevedo metaphor) in which fortunes are seeded and grow.

The New York Times - Books

The study's findings seem to dispel the "market metaphor," in which states advertise their low tax rates in a competition to woo high-income individuals.

Stanford University

metaphor, in which learners build procedures by snapping together graphical blocks much like LEGO bricks or pieces in a jigsaw puzzle.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Both are drawn into a highly charged dramatic metaphor in which, as Pinter said, "everything to do with the play is in the play".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

He solves the problem, insofar as he can, by contriving what Dantists call "accommodative metaphors," metaphors in which, while saying that his meaning is incommunicable, he accommodates us by coming up with some sort of image.

The New Yorker

Ideally, she said, novels are like metaphors in which everything connects, and she gets indignant when people accuse her of dropping in bits of information for their own sake.

The New York Times

Finally, the body also takes center stage in Judit Simo's cross-linguistic study of body part metaphors in Hungarian and American writing about chess, an unusually thorough and detailed catalog of metaphors in which the human body serves as the source domain.

Stanford University

For most, the metaphors in which their theories are described really are no more significant than the tulips in front of a nuclear power station, whereas she sees metaphorical thought as the ground on which even nuclear power stations are built.

The Guardian - Books

Thinking was also skewed by what Mr Lieven calls "vapid" biological metaphors in which the state was seen as a living organism, ruthlessly competing for size and resources, prizing prestige and strength over stability and practicality.Britain and France had overseas empires.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "metaphor in which", ensure the subsequent clause clearly explains the relationship or comparison being made. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "metaphor in which" without a clear and direct connection to the elements being compared. A weak or unclear connection can confuse the reader and weaken the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "metaphor in which" functions as a relative clause, connecting a metaphor to a clarifying description of its elements or context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, citing numerous examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

29%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "metaphor in which" serves as a connector, introducing a clarifying clause that details the relationship between elements being compared within a metaphor. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, especially in news, academic, and scientific writing. Although alternatives such as "metaphor that" or "metaphor where" exist, using "metaphor in which" often provides a more detailed and structured explanation. To ensure effective communication, prioritize clarity and directness when using the phrase, avoiding vague connections that could confuse the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

metaphor that illustrates

Changes the structure to use 'that' instead of 'in which', focusing on the illustrative aspect of the metaphor.

metaphor where

Replaces 'in which' with 'where' for a more concise expression, implying a location or context.

metaphor depicting

Focuses on the act of depiction within the metaphor, altering the grammatical structure.

metaphor that embodies

Highlights the embodiment or representation aspect of the metaphor.

metaphor showing

Uses 'showing' to emphasize the revealing or demonstrating nature of the metaphor.

metaphor representing

Emphasizes the representational function of the metaphor.

metaphor exemplifying

Highlights the role of the metaphor as an example.

metaphor serving as

Focuses on the function of the metaphor as a stand-in for something else.

metaphor characterized by

Shifts the focus to the characteristics or qualities of the metaphor.

metaphor under which

Implies a framework or system governed by the metaphor, a more formal alternative.

FAQs

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

Use "metaphor in which" to introduce a clarifying clause that specifies the elements or concepts being compared within the metaphor. For example, "The novel employs a powerful metaphor in which the protagonist's journey mirrors the hero's journey."

What are some alternatives to "metaphor in which"?

You can use alternatives like "metaphor that illustrates", "metaphor where", or "metaphor depicting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Refer to the /s/metaphor+that+illustrates, /s/metaphor+where, and /s/metaphor+depicting entries for more information.

Is it correct to say "metaphor that" instead of "metaphor in which"?

Yes, "metaphor that" can be used as a more concise alternative to "metaphor in which", especially when the context is clear. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and detail.

How does the choice of preposition affect the meaning of a metaphorical expression?

The preposition used can subtly shift the focus. "Metaphor in which" emphasizes the context or environment provided by the metaphor, while other prepositions might highlight different aspects, such as the action or quality being metaphorically represented.