thing in which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thing in which" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to refer to something that can act as a container or support for something else. For example, "This is the thing in which I store all my books."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

How does anyone fit that thing in!" Which may well be the reaction he was hoping for.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He has not done one thing in which he has not been open to compromise".

The New York Times

Unless you're not into that sort of thing, in which case it isn't.

The Guardian

But what is a pleasure is the whole creative thing in which we're all excavating and trying to find something.

Independent

Even after the Bound 2 video, this is the silliest thing in which Kanye's ever been involved.

The Guardian - Music

A funeral is the last thing in which we take part, even if we take part in a peculiar way".

The New York Times

There are indications that Russia is preparing to do this very thing, in which case Nehru's help in softening up countries like Afghanistan should serve her well.

The New Yorker

"Maybe human intelligence is the same thing, in which case I am wrong, or not, in which case I was right," he told me.

The New Yorker

And the giggles and whispers thing — in which anything resembling non-microfounded Keynesian analysis was the subject of automatic ridicule — is already, I think, over.

The New York Times

Then there is the fact that, like any one person or institution, the state is rightly proud of the thing in which it is most successful.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

(Metaphorically, not literally. Unless that's your thing -- in which case, contemplate in the nude as much as you want).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing between "thing in which" and alternatives like "aspect in which" or "area where" to ensure the most accurate and descriptive language is used.

Common error

Avoid using "thing in which" in very simple sentences where a more direct prepositional phrase would suffice. For example, instead of "the box is the thing in which I keep my tools", you could simply say "I keep my tools in the box".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thing in which" functions as a relative clause, introducing additional information about a noun. It specifies a container, location, or aspect related to the subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thing in which" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for specifying a container, location, or aspect related to a noun. While confirmed by Ludwig AI as correct, it's essential to use it judiciously, especially avoiding overuse in simple sentences where a more direct prepositional phrase would suffice. According to Ludwig's analysis, its applications are most frequent in news and media, and science, and is considered to have neutral register, fitting a range of writing styles. Remember to consider context when deciding between "thing in which" and alternative phrasings to provide the best clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aspect in which

Replaces "thing" with "aspect", focusing on a specific feature or characteristic.

area where

Substitutes "thing in which" with "area where", emphasizing a spatial or conceptual domain.

context in which

Uses "context" instead of "thing", highlighting the circumstances surrounding an event or situation.

situation where

Replaces "thing in which" with "situation where", focusing on a specific set of circumstances.

manner by which

Emphasizes the method or way something is done.

regard in which

Focuses on a specific point or aspect to be considered.

respect in which

Highlights a particular feature or quality.

capacity where

Replaces "thing in which" with "capacity where" emphasizing ability to contain or produce.

domain where

Emphasizes the area or field of activity.

framework where

Focuses on the underlying structure or system.

FAQs

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

The phrase "thing in which" is used to describe something that serves a purpose or has a particular quality. For example, "A library is a "place in which" you can find a wealth of information" or "Honesty is a "quality in which" I greatly value".

What are some alternatives to "thing in which"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "aspect in which", "area where", or "context in which" to replace "thing in which". Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance.

Is it ever better to use a simpler preposition instead of "thing in which"?

Yes, in many cases, using a simple preposition like "in" or "where" can make your sentence more concise and direct. For instance, instead of "the drawer is the thing in which I keep my socks", using "I keep my socks in the drawer" is often preferable.

How does "thing in which" compare to "the thing that"?

"Thing in which" typically refers to a container, location, or quality. In contrast, "the thing that" usually describes an action or characteristic. For example, "Courage is the thing that helps one overcome fear" highlights an action or characteristic.