the origin of which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the origin of which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the source or starting point of something previously mentioned, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The ancient manuscript contains several references to the civilization, the origin of which remains a topic of debate among historians."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Following the Ibero-Maurusian was the Capsian, the origin of which is also obscure.

Britannica

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare, destructive, neutrophilic dermatosis, the origin of which remains largely obscure.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Conventional fractographic failure analysis indicated that there was a signifcant bending stress component in the fatigue failure, the origin of which was unclear.

Failure Analysis Case Studies II

Here, Helium Ion Microscopy is used to examine uncoated polymer foams and some very strong but unexpected contrast is observed, the origin of which is established here.

Ultramicroscopy

Both methods, however, yield spurious velocities of the same order, the origin of which is due solely to errors in curvature.

Journal of Computational Physics

Test samples, the origin of which had previously been ascertained using conventional techniques, were then analysed to determine the accuracy of their method.

The Economist

The most important vestment among the insignia is the stole, the emblem of sacerdotal status, the origin of which is the ancient pallium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Secondly, new structures are created, the origin of which is shown to be in the instability of lateral jets of fluid issuing from the spot.

Progress in Aerospace Sciences

Strange stars with low masses are suggested to exist in reality, the origin of which could be via accretion-induced collapse of white dwarfs.

Advances in Space Research

Some spectra observed at the north-east lunar limb, show few unusual absorption features located at 0.357, 0.430 and 0.452 μm, the origin of which is presently unknown.

Advances in Space Research

Far in the lead and always a great favorite of critics, was judicious pruning, the origin of which was traced to a review of "The Canterbury Tales" in the Canterbury Daily News (circa 1389)..

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the origin of which" in formal writing when referring back to a previously mentioned noun or concept to explain its source or beginning, maintaining a sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "the origin of which" in casual conversation or informal writing; simpler phrases like "where it comes from" or "its source" are generally more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the origin of which" functions as a relative clause, providing additional information about a previously mentioned noun or concept. It specifies the source, beginning, or cause of that noun. Ludwig AI confirms this with multiple examples showing varied usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the origin of which" is a grammatically correct and frequently used relative clause that serves to explain the source or beginning of something previously mentioned. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase appears most often in scientific, news-related, and encyclopedic contexts, signifying its formal and informative nature. While perfectly acceptable in formal writing, it should be used sparingly in casual contexts, where simpler alternatives are preferable. Remember to use this phrase when you need to provide a detailed explanation of a concept's source, ensuring your writing maintains a sophisticated and precise tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the source of which

Replaces "origin" with "source", emphasizing the point from which something comes.

the cause of which

Focuses on the reason or event that leads to something else.

the root of which

Emphasizes the fundamental or underlying reason for something.

the basis of which

Highlights the foundation or support upon which something is built.

the beginning of which

Focuses on the start or commencement of something.

the derivation of which

Emphasizes the process by which something is obtained or developed.

the genesis of which

A more formal and literary way to refer to the origin.

from which it originates

Rephrases to use a more active voice.

whence it came

A more archaic and poetic way to indicate origin.

the etymology of which

Specifically refers to the origin of a word.

FAQs

How can I use "the origin of which" in a sentence?

Use "the origin of which" to refer back to something already mentioned and specify its source or beginning. For example, "The theory, "the origin of which" is debated, has significant implications."

What can I say instead of "the origin of which"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the source of which", "the cause of which", or "where it comes from" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Which is correct, "the origin of which" or "of which the origin"?

"The origin of which" is the standard and grammatically correct phrasing. "Of which the origin" is less common and can sound awkward in modern English.

What is the difference between "the origin of which" and "its origin"?

"The origin of which" is a relative clause that refers back to a previously mentioned noun. "Its origin" is a possessive phrase that directly indicates the origin of something. Using "the origin of which" allows you to connect two clauses, while "its origin" requires a separate sentence or clause.