something with which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something with which" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used as a more formal or polite way of saying "something that." For example: I am looking for something that I can give as a birthday present. I am looking for something with which I can surprise her for her birthday.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's something with which Luke may yet have to contend.

The New Yorker

Idiocy is something with which he's profoundly comfortable.

The Guardian

That is something with which outsiders could help.

The Economist

If our lives have meaning it is something with which we manage to invest them, not something with which they come ready equipped".

The Guardian - Books

(Something with which to whiten the coffee would have been perkier still).

The New York Times - Travel

It's not something with which to pass the time, although it helps.

The New York Times - Books

Lucy's "dream job" is something with which even the most stoic of us might struggle.

Independent

The communication of meaning is something with which politicians rather than poets should be involved.

The New Yorker

Coherent policymaking in Kiev would give Western capitals something with which to work.

The New York Times

But that is something with which Downton's successor, and Harrison, must deal.

The Guardian - Sport

As a chef, this is something with which Ripert routinely struggles.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something with which" in formal writing to maintain a sophisticated tone and avoid overly simplistic phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "something with which" in informal contexts where a simpler phrase like "something that" would be more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something with which" functions as a relative clause, connecting a noun phrase to a prepositional phrase. It introduces additional information or specification about the noun, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something with which" is a grammatically sound phrase used to establish relationships between nouns and their attributes or contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a formal alternative to simpler phrases like "something that". While prevalent in formal and academic writing, especially in sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, using "something with which" in informal settings may sound overly pretentious. Therefore, writers should choose this construction mindfully, considering the tone and target audience. Understanding the function, purpose, and formality of "something with which" ensures effective communication and precise expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something that

Replaces the more formal "with which" with the simpler "that", making the sentence less formal.

something by which

Emphasizes the means or instrument used, similar to "with which" but with a slightly different nuance.

something through which

Highlights the process or channel involved, shifting the focus from direct association to a medium.

something in which

Indicates containment or a specific environment, differing from a general association.

something relating to

Broadens the connection to a general relationship or relevance, less direct than "with which".

something associated with

Focuses on the association or connection, but less formal and more descriptive.

something connected to

Highlights the connection or link, making it less formal and more direct.

something that involves

Shifts the focus to the inclusion or implication of something else, changing the relationship.

something one can use

Emphasizes the utility or function, straying from the relational aspect of "with which".

something you can utilize

Highlights the use of something more than the relationship it holds to the thing

FAQs

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

"Something with which" connects a noun to a relative clause, often indicating a tool, method, or association. For example, "That is something with which outsiders could help."

What is a simpler alternative to "something with which"?

A more straightforward alternative is "something that". This simplifies the sentence structure while maintaining the meaning.

Is "something with which" always necessary, or can I rephrase the sentence?

While grammatically correct, "something with which" can sometimes be replaced with a simpler construction. Consider rephrasing to use "something that" or restructuring the sentence for clarity.

What's the difference between "something with which" and "something that"?

"Something with which" is more formal and often used in academic or professional writing. "Something that" is more common in everyday language and less formal contexts.