working of which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "working of which" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to the operation or function of something previously mentioned, but it is often better to rephrase for clarity. Example: "The machine's efficiency is determined by the working of which is influenced by various factors."

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But to-day we have involved ourselves in a colossal muddle, having blundered in the control of a delicate machine, the working of which we do not understand.

The New York Times

"We have involved ourselves in a colossal muddle," he warned, "having blundered in the control of a delicate machine, the working of which we do not understand".

The Guardian - Business

But today we have involved ourselves in a colossal muddle, having blundered in the control of a delicate machine, the working of which we do not understand".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is structured in the form of various working groups – of which some are more active than others.

Yale University

This week, a Council of Europe working group of which I am a member suggests a different approach.

The Guardian - Opinion

This works regardless of which variable you choose to maximize.

Harvard Business Review

Therefore, it appears that the fasta method works regardless of which estimate of heritability is used.

Genetics, Selection, Evolution

Is there a particular work or body of work of which you are most proud?

Yale University

Another work of which Games was particularly proud, commissioned by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.

The Guardian - Arts

Christie's sale included 175 works, of which 59 failed to sell.

The New York Times - Arts

He said GTAT spent $900m on the work, of which Apple's loan only covered $439m.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider rephrasing to a more common and clear alternative like "how it works" or "the way it functions" to improve readability.

Common error

Avoid using "working of which" in informal contexts. It can sound stilted and unnatural. Opt for simpler phrasing that is more direct and easier to understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working of which" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun phrase by specifying an aspect of its operation. Ludwig AI shows that it appears in formal writing. It is used to provide additional information about how something operates or functions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "working of which" is a grammatically correct but infrequent relative clause used to specify the functionality or operation of something. Ludwig AI indicates it's more common in formal and technical writing, such as academic papers or technical manuals, but less common in everyday language. While grammatically sound, consider using simpler alternatives like "how it works" or "the way it functions" to improve clarity and readability. It's crucial to avoid using "working of which" in informal contexts, as it may sound overly formal or stilted. Always prioritize clear and direct communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the operation of which

Focuses on the functional aspect, replacing "working" with a more formal term.

the functioning of which

Similar to "operation of which", but uses a different noun form.

how it works

Simplifies the structure to a more direct question or statement of function.

the way it functions

Emphasizes the manner in which something operates.

the mechanism of which

Highlights the internal processes and structure.

the manner in which it operates

Adds emphasis to the method of operation.

the process by which

Focuses on the series of actions or steps involved.

how it is used

Simplifies the structure focusing on utilization.

the performance of which

Focuses on how well something works.

the practice of which

Shifts the emphasis to the practical application or routine.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "working of which"?

You can use alternatives like "how it works", "the way it functions", or "the operation of which" depending on the context.

Is "working of which" grammatically correct?

Yes, "working of which" is grammatically correct, but it is not a common or modern phrasing and may sound awkward to some readers. Consider using more common alternatives for clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "working of which"?

It might be appropriate in highly formal or technical writing, but in most cases, simpler alternatives are preferred. Always prioritize clarity over formality.

How can I make my writing sound more natural than using "working of which"?

Focus on directness and simplicity. Instead of "working of which", try rephrasing to use active voice and simpler vocabulary. For instance, use "how it operates" or "the way it is used".