something of which

USAGE SUMMARY

"something of which" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
This phrase is used to indicate possession of something. For example, "She had a necklace of which she was very proud."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Something of which we felt very proud".

Independent

Physical affection is something of which she is wary".

The Guardian

Yet is this something of which we should be ashamed?

The Guardian - Opinion

This is something of which we should be proud".

The New York Times

Something of which you could never accuse Charles Greville.

The Guardian - Books

But it is something of which he is acutely aware.

The Guardian

Wherever the truth lies, loyalty to his manager is something of which Ridsdale is rightly proud.

Independent

This a huge step forward, and something of which we can all be proud.

Independent

I recall the sequence of events well; this is something of which I feel sure.

The Guardian - Opinion

It elevated the art into something of which designers began to take notice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But agreed, booing is not something of which one should make a habit.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "something of which", ensure that the clause following it adds significant information or description; avoid redundancy. For instance, instead of "a book of which the pages were made of paper", say "a book of which the pages were fragile".

Common error

Avoid using "something of which" in casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler constructions like "something that" or "something with" to maintain a natural and less stilted tone. For example, instead of "a party of which everyone enjoyed", use "a party that everyone enjoyed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something of which" functions as a relative clause acting as a postmodifier. It introduces additional information or description about a preceding noun or pronoun. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase indicates possession or a specific quality related to the antecedent, similar to examples of Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something of which" is a grammatically sound phrase employed to provide additional information or describe attributes related to a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. Predominantly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, this phrase serves to elaborate and clarify details, often with a formal tone. While alternatives like "something that" exist, the choice depends on the intended level of formality. By understanding its function and usage patterns, writers can effectively integrate "something of which" into their compositions while avoiding common errors such as overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something that possesses

Replaces the "of which" construction with a more direct verb, focusing on the act of possession.

something that includes

Emphasizes the inclusion aspect rather than a general relationship.

something that is characterized by

Highlights specific attributes or qualities.

something featuring

A more concise way to indicate a prominent aspect or component.

a thing with

Simplifies the structure to a more basic possessive relationship.

an aspect where

Focuses specifically on an aspect or feature.

a quality that

Highlights a specific attribute or characteristic.

something where

A less formal substitute.

a detail that

Emphasizes a specific detail or element.

something containing

Highlights the act of containing something.

FAQs

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

Use "something of which" to add detail or specify a characteristic. For example: "The project involved several stages, "each of which" required careful planning."

What are some alternatives to "something of which"?

Alternatives include "something that", "something with", or rephrasing to use a possessive. For instance, instead of "a problem of which the solution was difficult", try "a problem whose solution was difficult".

Is it correct to use "something of which" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "something of which" is generally more suitable for formal writing than everyday conversation. In casual speech, simpler alternatives are preferred.

What is the difference between "something of which" and "something that"?

"Something of which" is more formal and emphasizes a deeper connection or attribute, while "something that" is more general. The choice depends on the desired tone and level of formality.