the thing of which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the thing of which" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to provide more specific information about a noun or pronoun. Example: The novel, the thing of which I have been dreaming for years, finally came out last week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Osborne calls the Manchester deal "the thing of which I think I am most proud".

The Guardian

The play also unequivocally shows how a persecuted old woman becomes the thing of which she is accused.

The Guardian

So does any sense of solidarity, the thing of which Long Kesh's republican prisoners were so proud.

The Guardian

Aristotle's explanation is that the same things cannot always be said of both a predicate and the thing of which it is predicated in other words, predication is not transitive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The artifice shows, but only for a moment before we're immersed in a chilly, heart-wrenching story that seems to say that, for all our obsessions with old wounds and childhood hurts, the thing that damages us most of all is the thing of which we are unaware.

The Guardian - Books

In this respect, pneuma plays something of the role of substantial form in Aristotle for this too makes the thing of which it is the form both 'some this,' i.e. an individual, and 'what it is' (Metaph. VII, 17).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Mere hours after the murders at Emmanuel AME Church, South Carolina Representative Mark Sanford attempted to sweep the thing-of-which-we-do-not-speak under the rug.

Huffington Post

He later described gun control as "one of the things of which I am most proud".

The Guardian

For the first time in his life, Wolfred began to see the things of which he was capable.

The New Yorker

Let me say right now that some of the things of which we stand accused are contemptible.

The Guardian - Opinion

A natural thought about our first-person experience is that "all and only the things of which I am aware are present to me". Hare, however, goes one step further and claims, counterintuitively, that the thought should instead be that "all and only the things of which I am aware are present". There is, in other words, something unique about me and the things of which I am aware.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the thing of which" to add a layer of specificity or qualification to a general noun, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the thing of which" in simple sentences where a direct and concise phrasing would suffice. Opt for simpler constructions to maintain clarity and flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the thing of which" functions as a relative clause, providing additional information about a preceding noun or pronoun. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

28%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the thing of which" is a grammatically correct relative clause used to specify an attribute or characteristic of something. Ludwig AI's analysis of real-world examples shows it is more common in formal writing contexts such as news articles, scientific publications, and academic papers. While the phrase is not incorrect, careful consideration should be given to simpler phrasing alternatives if aiming for more concise and accessible language. The examples provided illustrate its usage in adding specificity, with alternatives such as "that which" or "the aspect of which" offering subtle shifts in meaning. The most authoritative sources using this phrase include The Guardian, Encyclopedia Britannica, and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that which

Replaces "thing" with a more general pronoun, reducing the emphasis on a specific object.

the aspect of which

Focuses on a specific attribute or facet instead of the general "thing".

the element of which

Highlights a component or constituent part.

the item to which

Substitutes "thing" with a more concrete "item", specifying a target.

the subject of which

Shifts focus to a topic or matter under discussion.

the object of which

Emphasizes the receiver or target of an action or thought.

the part of which

Designates a section or component within a larger whole.

regarding which

Uses a prepositional phrase to introduce a related topic.

concerning which

Employs a more formal preposition to connect related ideas.

the area of which

Specifies a field, domain or scope of the topic.

FAQs

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

Use "the thing of which" to provide further explanation or attribute to a noun. For example, "The novel, "the thing of which" I have been dreaming for years, finally came out last week."

What are some alternatives to "the thing of which"?

Alternatives include "that which", "the aspect of which", or "regarding which", depending on the context and desired nuance.

Is "the thing of which" formal or informal?

"The thing of which" tends to be more formal and literary. In casual conversation, simpler phrasing is generally preferred.

What is the difference between "the thing of which" and "of which"?

"The thing of which" explicitly refers to a 'thing', whereas "of which" can refer more broadly to a concept, idea, or element, as in "the aspect of which".