system in which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "system in which" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a particular system that is being discussed or referenced in a sentence. Example: "The school has implemented a new grading system in which students are evaluated based on their overall understanding of the subject, rather than just their test scores."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He represented a system in which everything crumbled.

The New York Times

Theoretically, it is a system in which everybody wins.

The New York Times

It is also a system in which everyone must live.

Harvard Business Review

But "relative absolute" says that these verities only apply to the system in which they exist.

The Guardian - Opinion

The system, in which families received social protections through their employers, worked well for decades.

The New York Times

It relies mainly on a system in which businesses regulate themselves.

The New York Times

The store also offers a credit system in which paperback books are exchanged.

The New York Times

They imposed a colonial apartheid system in which the masses were animals, less than men.

The New Yorker

Again, does that look like a system in which the players have too much power?

The New Yorker

The President, he continued, is leading us toward a system in which regulation will dominate.

The New Yorker

"These animals are part of a system in which everything is connected.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex organizational structures, clearly define the specific components and their interactions within the "system in which" they operate.

Common error

Avoid using "system in which" when a simpler, more direct description of a process or arrangement would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "system in which" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun (usually "system") by providing additional information about it. Ludwig AI validates the grammatical correctness and widespread usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "system in which" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed relative clause, functioning to elaborate on a preceding noun, typically "system". As verified by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for describing the inner workings, conditions, or relationships inherent within a structured framework. Predominantly observed in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts, this phrase maintains a neutral register, fitting seamlessly into diverse writing styles. While highly versatile, it's advisable to ensure conciseness and clarity, avoiding overuse where simpler descriptions might suffice. Alternatives such as "structure where" or "framework under which" can provide nuanced variations when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

structure where

Replaces "system" with a more general term, focusing on the arrangement.

framework under which

Substitutes "system" with "framework" and rephrases the relative pronoun.

environment wherein

Uses a more formal term, "environment", and replaces "in which" with the single word "wherein".

context where

Emphasizes the surrounding circumstances rather than the systemic aspect.

arrangement whereby

Focuses on the agreed-upon conditions or terms using "arrangement".

mechanism through which

Highlights the process or means by which something is achieved.

method by which

Focuses on the specific way of doing something, rather than an entire system.

approach that

Suggests a specific tactic or method being utilized.

model where

Replaces "system" with "model", indicating a representation or design.

scenario in which

Implies a hypothetical or possible situation.

FAQs

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

Use "system in which" to describe how elements interact within a defined structure, as in, "The company implemented a new management "system in which" employees have more autonomy".

What's an alternative to "system in which"?

Alternatives include "structure where", "framework under which", or "environment wherein", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "system in which" when describing a process?

No, sometimes a simpler phrase like "process where" or a more direct description of the process is more appropriate and clearer than "system in which".

What is the difference between "system in which" and "method by which"?

"System in which" refers to an entire operational structure, while "method by which" describes a specific way of achieving a particular outcome within that system.