of what is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of what is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about the state or condition of something. For example: "I know little of what is beyond my own expertise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Because of what is happening.

The New Yorker

There is evidence of what is possible.

The New York Times

A sign of what is to come?

The New York Times

"A TASTE of what is possible".

The Economist

The question of what is Europe continues.

The Economist

"Avail yourself of what is".

The New York Times

It's because of what is.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's also part of what is good.

The New York Times - Sports

Much of what is here is true.

The New York Times - Health

They are ignorant of what is important.

The Guardian - Opinion

Out of what is it made?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of what is" to introduce a clause that clarifies a noun or pronoun, providing additional context or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "of what is" unnecessarily when a more direct phrase could convey the same meaning. Overuse can make your writing sound verbose and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of what is" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a noun clause. According to Ludwig, it connects a general concept to a specific state or condition. Examples show it elaborates on preceding statements, providing context or explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of what is" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to add detail and context to statements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse, authoritative sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist. While useful for clarifying concepts, overuse should be avoided to prevent verbosity. Alternatives like "regarding what exists" or "concerning the present state" can offer similar meanings with slight variations. Overall, "of what is" serves as a valuable tool for enhancing understanding and adding depth to communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in light of what is

Suggests understanding or interpretation based on the current state.

regarding what exists

Focuses on the existence of something rather than its inherent nature.

concerning the present state

Emphasizes the current condition or situation.

pertaining to reality

Highlights the real or factual aspect of something.

in terms of actuality

Stresses the real or concrete aspect of a situation.

about the current situation

Directly refers to the circumstances at hand.

concerning the nature of being

Focuses on philosophical considerations of existence.

in relation to what's happening

Specifies the connection to ongoing events.

with respect to the facts

Emphasizes factual accuracy and relevance.

considering the circumstances

Highlights the importance of the surrounding conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "of what is" in a sentence?

Use "of what is" to connect a general concept to a specific situation or detail. For example, "They remind me "of what is" not concrete, what is in spite of what is."

What phrases are similar to "of what is"?

Alternatives include phrases like "regarding what exists", "concerning the present state", or "in light of what is", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "of what is" formal or informal?

The phrase "of what is" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more commonly found in formal writing and speech where a detailed explanation or clarification is needed.

When is it best to use "of what is" over simpler alternatives?

Use "of what is" when you want to emphasize a deeper understanding or analysis of a situation, rather than just stating a fact. It adds a layer of complexity and thoughtfulness to your writing.