strait through which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strait through which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a narrow passage of water that connects two larger bodies of water, often in geographical or navigational contexts. Example: "The ship navigated the strait through which the currents flowed swiftly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It is at the mouth of the Malacca Strait, through which perhaps 40% of world maritime trade passes.

The Economist

It has deftly exploited those advantages that made it a successful entrepot as early the 14th century: a fine natural harbour and strategic position on the Malacca Strait, through which an estimated 40% or world maritime trade now passes.

The Economist

Indonesian raids, sometimes with military involvement, are the tolerable face of piracy: in 1997-98 there were seven incidents in the Malacca Strait, through which 800 oil tankers alone pass each year.

The Economist

Another area of possible miscalculation might be the Malacca Strait, through which most of China's oil passes.Tim Huxley, in Singapore for the International Institute of Strategic Studies, a British think-tank, points out that there is no way the FPDA can be part of "a balancing mechanism" to China, or that it will come into play in the South China Sea.

The Economist

But by developing the country's oil and gas fields, and by building pipelines to Myanmar's Indian Ocean ports, they hope to reduce their vulnerability to a blockade of the Malacca Strait, through which they import much of their oil.However, as India is learning, Burmese generals are unreliable.

The Economist

The Houthis are closing in on Aden, which controls the entrance to the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab strait, through which about 20,000 ships pass annually.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Singapore, one of the world's busiest ports, is situated at the southernmost tip of Asia, on the straits through which ships pass when going between India and China.

Forbes

Tanqueray, one of the oldest makers, recently introduced a new and unusually spicy gin called Malacca that is named after the straits through which many of the spices originally traveled back to Europe from the Far East in the 19th century, when the formula was supposedly first invented it's a nice story anyway.

Forbes

Just a few years ago, piracy was out of control in the Malacca Strait, the waterway through which 80percentt of crude oil to Japan and China is shipped.

The New York Times

In case of attack, they have openly threatened to hit the American bases that dot the GCC monarchies and to blockade "indefinitely" the strait of Hormuz, through which 40% of the world's exported oil flows.

The Economist

About one-third of the world's oil tanker shipments pass through the strait, which the United States Energy Information Administration has called "the world's most important oil chokepoint".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing geographical locations, use "strait through which" to clearly indicate a narrow waterway's function in connecting larger bodies of water and facilitating passage.

Common error

Avoid using "strait through which" when referring to general paths or routes on land; reserve it for specific, narrow waterways connecting larger bodies of water.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strait through which" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun (usually a geographical location or a route), specifying a particular characteristic. It highlights the strait's role as a channel. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strait through which" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe a narrow waterway that connects two larger bodies of water, emphasizing its role in facilitating passage. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not extremely common, it appears most frequently in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. When employing the phrase, ensure it accurately describes a waterway and its function, avoiding use for general paths or routes. Consider alternatives like "channel through which something passes" or "narrow passage connecting two bodies of water" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

channel through which something passes

Emphasizes the channel aspect, adding the idea of something 'passing' through.

waterway through which ships travel

Specifies 'waterway' and explicitly mentions 'ships' as the mode of transport.

narrow passage connecting two bodies of water

Focuses on the 'narrow passage' aspect and its function of 'connecting'.

strategic waterway facilitating maritime transport

Highlights the 'strategic' importance and use for 'maritime transport'.

sea route that enables passage

Uses 'sea route' to indicate a course and 'enables passage' to emphasize functionality.

maritime channel allowing transit

Uses "maritime channel" and "allowing transit" for a slightly more formal tone.

navigable strait serving as a conduit

Employs "navigable" and "conduit" for a more technical nuance.

passage connecting bodies of water used for shipping

Specifies 'shipping' as the type of transport utilizing the passage.

key maritime chokepoint for transportation

Highlights the chokepoint and its effect on transportation.

natural channel used for marine transit

Focuses on natural aspect and use for transit.

FAQs

How can I use "strait through which" in a sentence?

The phrase "strait through which" is used to describe a narrow waterway connecting two larger bodies of water. For example, "The Malacca Strait is the strait through which much of the world's trade passes".

What are some alternatives to "strait through which"?

You can use alternatives like "channel through which something passes", "waterway through which ships travel", or "narrow passage connecting two bodies of water" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "straits through which" instead of "strait through which"?

The term "straits" is the plural of "strait". Use "straits through which" when referring to multiple waterways or a complex of channels, whereas "strait through which" refers to a single passage.

What makes a "strait through which" strategically important?

A "strait through which" is strategically important when it serves as a key route for maritime trade, military passage, or resource transport, making its control significant for geopolitical or economic reasons.