the play in which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the play in which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific play and describing its content or context. Example: "The play in which the protagonist struggles with his identity has received critical acclaim."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Or the play in which he appears.

The New York Times

The play in which Mama Nadi appears is not unlike the house over which she presides.

The New York Times

The play in which he entered on roller skates was "Mr. Cinders".

The New York Times

Such is also the nature, for better or worse, of the play in which he appears.

The New York Times

Peter DuBois directs the play, in which a newlywed couple try their hand at matchmaking.

The New Yorker

On the play in which Turner was hurt, the Texans rookie J.J.

The New York Times

And she unashamedly describes the play, in which she also acts, as a "dramatic consciousness-raising exercise".

The Guardian

He said Kovalev told him exactly where to go on the play in which they scored against the Rangers.

The New York Times - Sports

Malfi is the play in which the gothic enters the English imagination, and gothic can't enchant by day.

The Guardian

Unlike the play, in which God's mercy ultimately leads Everyman to eternal life, Roth's book offers no comfort.

The New Yorker

If nothing else, on the play in which Abraham forced Kitna to throw an incompletion, Robertson occupied two blockers.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the play in which" to clearly and directly link a play to a specific element, character, or event within it. This phrasing enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity when discussing aspects of a theatrical work.

Common error

Avoid using "where" in place of "in which" when referring to abstract elements within a play, such as a theme or a conflict. "Where" is best suited for physical locations. For example, it's more appropriate to say, "the play in which the characters grapple with morality" rather than "the play where the characters grapple with morality."

Linguistic Context

Adjectival relative clause. The phrase "the play in which" functions as an adjectival modifier, providing additional information about a noun (play). It introduces a clause that describes or specifies an aspect of the play being discussed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, offering a clear way to refer to aspects within a specific play.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Sports

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the play in which" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves as an adjectival modifier to specify aspects within a theatrical work. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct. As shown by the provided examples from The New York Times and The Guardian, it commonly appears in News & Media and sports articles. While "the play where" is sometimes used informally, it's best to stick with "the play in which" for formal contexts. When writing, ensure you're using it to directly link a play to a specific element, enhancing clarity and avoiding ambiguity. The provided related phrases and examples should allow you to better understand how to use the phrase in practice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the play wherein

Replaces 'in which' with the more formal 'wherein', indicating location or circumstance.

the play that features

Emphasizes the play's content and key elements.

the play showcasing

Highlights the play's presentation or performance aspect.

the play depicting

Focuses on the play's portrayal of events or characters.

the play presenting

Highlights the act of showing or introducing something in the play.

the play where

Uses the less formal 'where' in place of 'in which', to indicate a location.

the play in that

Focuses on the particular aspect or element of the play being discussed.

the play during which

Specifies a timeframe or event within the play.

a play that includes

Emphasizes the presence of specific elements in the play.

the play containing

Highlights the play's content and what it encompasses.

FAQs

How can I use "the play in which" in a sentence?

Use "the play in which" to introduce a specific aspect or characteristic of a play. For example, "Hamlet is "the play in which" the protagonist grapples with existential questions".

What are some alternatives to "the play in which"?

Alternatives include "the play that features", "the play showcasing", or "the play where" (though the last is less formal when referring to abstract elements). Choose the alternative that best fits the specific context and emphasizes the desired aspect of the play.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the play where" instead of "the play in which"?

While "the play where" is sometimes used informally, "the play in which" is generally considered more grammatically correct, especially in formal writing. "Where" is best reserved for references to physical locations.

What is the difference between "the play in which" and "the play that"?

"The play in which" is generally used to specify a particular element or characteristic contained within the play, while "the play that" can be used more broadly to identify the play. For example, "Hamlet is "the play in which" revenge is a central theme" versus "Hamlet is "the play that" Shakespeare wrote".