those in which

USAGE SUMMARY

"those in which" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to one or more items that are part of a larger group. For example, "We studied a variety of prophecies, and particularly focused on those in which the prophet foretold specific events."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The results from those in which fewer than 500 people did have been discounted here.

The Guardian - Sport

Couples receiving a bonus tend to be those in which only one spouse works.

The New York Times

Imagery might be a reminder of conditions opposite those in which fans flourish.

The New York Times

Maintenance personnel have begun installing replacement parts, or repairing those in which cracks are only superficial.

The New York Times

That attack was similar to those in which Mr. Brown is already accused.

The New York Times

His home was typical of those in which many Southeast Asians grew up.

The New York Times

"A vain formula," Reza wrote, "like all those in which he brandishes the banner of love".

The New Yorker

The book was, however, one of those in which the errors were still uncorrected.

The New Yorker

His best texts are those in which he gives himself permission to be an essayist.

The New Yorker

Some weddings have been postponed, certainly those in which families have been directly affected.

The New York Times

But the show's most arresting moments are those in which the singer lays herself emotionally bare.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "those in which" to refer back to a specific group or category previously mentioned, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity. For example, 'We examined several studies, focusing on "those in which" the sample size exceeded 1000 participants.'

Common error

Avoid using "those in which" in simple sentences where a more direct construction would suffice. For instance, instead of saying 'These are the cases "those in which" the suspect was present,' consider 'These are the cases where the suspect was present'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "those in which" functions as a relative pronoun introducing a relative clause, modifying a previously mentioned noun or pronoun. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, demonstrating its broad applicability in connecting related ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "those in which" is a grammatically correct and widely used relative clause. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It is commonly used to specify a subset of items based on shared characteristics, particularly in formal contexts like science, news, and encyclopedias. While versatile, writers should avoid overuse in simpler constructions, as more direct alternatives might provide greater clarity. Consider alternatives like "where" or "that include" depending on the specific nuance. Ultimately, "those in which" serves as a valuable tool for precise and detailed communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in which

Omits "those", creating a simpler relative clause. This alternative is less specific about the items being referred to.

that include

Changes the structure to focus on inclusion as an action, rather than a state. This alternative emphasizes the inclusion of elements.

wherein

Offers a more formal and concise way to express the relationship, suitable for academic or technical writing.

where

Replaces the entire phrase with a single word, simplifying the sentence structure but potentially losing some specificity.

that possess

Rephrases the clause to highlight the attributes that the items have, rather than their group membership.

where they are

Rephrases the clause to emphasize the location or state of the items, rather than their inclusion in a group.

featuring

Simplifies the clause by using a participle to introduce the defining characteristic, creating a more concise sentence.

containing

Replaces the phrase with a participle emphasizing the inclusion of specific elements, creating a more concise description.

characterized by

Replaces the phrase with a focus on the defining attributes, shifting the emphasis from the group to the characteristics.

in situations where

Emphasizes the conditional aspect of the relationship, focusing on specific scenarios rather than general inclusion.

FAQs

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

"Those in which" is used to refer to a specific group or category previously mentioned. For example, "We reviewed the proposals, and we selected "those in which" the budget was clearly outlined".

What's a simpler way to say "those in which"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "where" or "that include". The best option depends on the specific sentence and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "those in which" formal or informal?

"Those in which" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "where" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "in which" and "those in which"?

"In which" introduces a relative clause, while "those in which" refers back to a specific set of items previously identified. For example, instead of saying "We have several alternatives, "those in which" are simpler", you can say "We have several alternatives, "in which" are simpler".