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In Which or Inwhich – Which is Correct?

In which or inwhich? This is a question that often confuses English learners and even native speakers. The correct form is “in which,” with a space between the words. Let’s learn why this is the case and provide you with a clear explanation.

The phrase “in which” is commonly used in formal writing, as it is more grammatically correct. It is known as a prepositional phrase, where the preposition “in” is followed by the relative pronoun “which.” This construction is used to provide additional information or clarify a specific place or manner in relation to something else.

To better understand how “in which” is used, let’s look at a few examples:

1. “She dropped her keys in the bag, in which she had also placed her wallet.”
This sentence shows how “in which” is used to explain the location of the keys within the bag.

2. “The museum exhibit, in which many famous paintings were displayed, attracted a large crowd.”
Here, “in which” elaborates on the setting of the exhibit, emphasizing the display of famous paintings.

3. “The car accident, in which three people were injured, caused a major traffic jam.”
In this example, “in which” provides details about the event, focusing on the car accident and the injuries incurred.

It’s important to note that “in which” is often used in more formal or written English rather than in everyday spoken English. However, it is crucial for those preparing for exams like IELTS, as it demonstrates a higher level of language proficiency.

Now, why is it incorrect to write “inwhich” without a space? Combining two words without a space is known as a word blend or a closed compound. While English does have many closed compounds, such as “blackboard” or “wildlife,” “inwhich” is not one of them.

Using “inwhich” would be considered a grammatical error because it violates the basic rules of word formation in English. “In which” consists of two separate words that serve different grammatical functions. “In” functions as a preposition indicating location or direction, while “which” acts as a relative pronoun introducing a relative clause. Combining them into one word results in a loss of clarity and breaks grammatical conventions.

To further illustrate this point, imagine if you encountered the word “inwhich” in a text without any prior knowledge of its meaning. It would be difficult to interpret its intended function or understand its relationship to the rest of the sentence. English grammar relies on clear and distinct word divisions, and “in which” correctly reflects this principle.

In conclusion, the correct form is “in which.” This construction is used to provide additional information or clarify a specific place or manner in relation to something else. It is an essential feature of formal writing and is frequently used in exams like IELTS. “Inwhich” is not a valid word in English and should be avoided to ensure clear communication and adherence to grammatical rules.