under which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the conditions under which something happened, such as in this example sentence: "She made a donation to the charity, under which she received a tax credit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Under which administration?

The New York Times

Under which military orders?

The Guardian - Opinion

brand, under which the wrestlers perform.

The New York Times

They set the rules under which the quango operates".

The Guardian

That's the logic under which Google's success is generalizable.

The New Yorker

"But in Britain it is under, which suggests under-prescribing".

The Guardian

Brancusi was a tree under which an artist could grow.

The New York Times - Arts

This was the law under which Mr. Garza was prosecuted.

The New York Times

Also odd: the rubrics under which these dishes fall.

The New York Times - Food

It determines the conditions under which the game is played.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Borough Market determines the status under which traders operate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under which", ensure the clause it introduces clearly defines the condition, circumstance, or framework being referred to. This helps maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "under which" without a clear antecedent. Ensure it's immediately obvious what conditions or circumstances you are referring to, or the sentence becomes confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under which" functions as a relative pronoun introducing a relative clause. It specifies the conditions, circumstances, or rules governing a situation or action, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under which" is a versatile phrase used to introduce relative clauses that specify conditions, circumstances, or frameworks. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal writing. While alternatives exist, "under which" often provides a clear and concise way to express conditionality. When using "under which", ensure that the reference is clear to avoid ambiguity. Its frequent presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and effectiveness in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to which

Emphasizes the idea of being conditional or contingent upon something. It focuses on the dependence of one thing on another.

conditional on

Highlights that something will only occur if specific conditions are met. This is a more concise way of expressing conditionality.

in circumstances where

Focuses specifically on the situational context that enables or influences an event. More verbose than "under which".

given the condition that

Stresses that a particular requirement must be satisfied. More formal and emphasizes a prerequisite.

in the event that

Highlights a potential future scenario where something might happen. Less about ongoing conditions and more about hypothetical situations.

on the basis of which

Emphasizes the rationale or justification for an action or decision. Focuses on the underlying reasons.

pursuant to which

Indicates an action is being done according to a specific law, rule, or agreement. More formal and legalistic.

according to which

Emphasizes adherence to a specific rule, standard, or guideline. Focuses on conformity.

within the bounds of

Highlights limitations and restrictions. It stresses the operational boundaries.

consistent with

Signifies agreement or harmony with a set of principles or rules. It underscores alignment and compatibility.

FAQs

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

Use "under which" to introduce a relative clause that specifies a condition or circumstance. For example: "This is the law "under which" Mr. Garza was prosecuted."

What are some alternatives to "under which"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "subject to which", "conditional on", or "in circumstances where" to express similar meanings.

Is it more formal to use "under which" or "in which"?

"Under which" often carries a more formal tone than "in which", implying a more structured or regulated context. Consider your audience and the level of formality required when choosing between the two.

What's the difference between "under which" and "on the basis of which"?

"Under which" refers to conditions or circumstances, while "on the basis of which" refers to the reasons or justifications. The phrase "on the basis of which" emphasizes the rationale for an action or decision.