that of which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that of which" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used when referring to something that has already been mentioned. For example, "The book had many helpful tips, that of which I found particularly useful."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ideas are the objects of our mental acts, and they capture transparently—'by way of image or likeness' (Principles, sect. 27)—that of which they are the ideas.

SEP

But our ordinary notion of ability, that of which we are attempting to give a theory, seems to involve both psychological and non-psychological requirements.

SEP

A subject, Aristotle tells us, is "that of which everything else is predicated, while it is itself not predicated of anything else" (1028b36).

SEP

Where the real is "that of which it is possible to provide an equivalent reproduction," the hyperreal, says Baudrillard, is "that which is always already reproduced" (Baudrillard 1976, 73).

SEP

To speak (dicere) in the proper sense means expressing the likeness of a thing in order to make known that of which it is the likeness (QLIS 37, 106).

SEP

The most memorable and affecting comedy is that of which a person can identify with.

Huffington Post

I also realized how often I downplay -- to myself and to others -- all that of which I'm capable.

Huffington Post

On rare occasions Villagers called Adventurers, would leave the familiar in search of the Greater-meaning they felt from within and that of which they knew, the Box spoke not there of.

Huffington Post

One final question that remains is that of which efficacy measure to use.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

An important question one has to answer at the beginning of the modeling process is that of which modeling method is the most suited for the considered system.

BMC Systems Biology

Moreover, due to high migration efficiency, and the fact that more cells were applied in the migration assay, the cell attachment percentage exceeds that of which is achieved in the proliferation assay.

BMC Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that of which" in formal writing where a clear and precise connection between two elements is required. Ensure the antecedent is unambiguous to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "that of which" in casual or informal writing. Simpler alternatives, such as "what" or "which", are often more appropriate and natural in everyday language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that of which" functions as a relative clause introducing additional information or qualifications about a previously mentioned noun or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It helps to specify or elaborate on something already introduced.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that of which" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce relative clauses, typically in formal writing. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage. It serves to provide additional details about a previously mentioned subject. While common in scientific, academic, and news contexts, it should be used sparingly in informal settings where simpler alternatives may suffice. Remember to keep your writing clear and precise, ensuring your language suits the context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what it consists of

This focuses on the components or elements that make up something.

what it comprises

This emphasizes the inclusion of various parts within a whole.

what it is composed of

This stresses the materials or ingredients used to create something.

the thing it pertains to

This highlights the relevance or connection to a specific subject or matter.

the subject it concerns

This underlines the topic or theme that is being discussed or addressed.

what it relates to

This indicates a connection or correspondence between two things.

the thing to which it belongs

This specifies a possessive or associative relationship.

the aspect it covers

This concentrates on the scope or range of a particular topic or area.

the entity it describes

This centers on the details and characteristics used to portray something.

the item it embodies

This focuses on the representation or manifestation of a quality or idea.

FAQs

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

Use "that of which" to refer back to something previously mentioned, often to add more detail or qualification. For example, "The project required resources, that of which were limited."

What is a simpler alternative to "that of which"?

Depending on the context, you can use simpler alternatives such as "what", "which", or rephrase the sentence for clarity. For example, instead of "the part that of which was damaged", you could say "the damaged part".

Is "that of which" interchangeable with "of which"?

While both phrases indicate a relationship or connection, "that of which" often adds a stronger sense of specificity or emphasis compared to a simple "of which".

How does the formality of "that of which" affect its use?

"That of which" is generally more formal and suited to academic, legal, or technical writing. In less formal contexts, alternatives like "what" or "which" may be more appropriate.