a device by which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a device by which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mechanism or tool that facilitates a specific action or function. Example: "The remote control is a device by which users can easily navigate through the television channels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Perhaps, then, the code was not to disguise her prayers but a device by which she preserved and protected them.

The New Yorker

But now, inspired by the death of his own young horse, Yves has given his mind to the problem, and has thought of a device by which a horse can pull the plow using its breast and strong shoulders.

The New York Times - Books

By that point Lawson had gone, but his successor – Major – decided that the way for Britain to kick its inflation habit for good was to join the ERM, a device by which European currencies had to trade within fixed bands against the mark.

The Guardian - Business

The main difference between a sign and a signal is that a sign (like a policeman's badge) contains meanings of an intrinsic nature; a signal (like a scream for help) is merely a device by which one is able to formulate extrinsic meanings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Wheat, the great necessary of life, had been professedly by the Legislature put entirely out of the category of our regular foreign trade, and a scheme devised to be entirely prohibitory in ordinary years: there is only a device by which it may at a time of extraordinary pressure be let in.

The Economist

(That's what the budget commission does, after all, it is a device by which INCUMBENCY IS PRESERVED).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Teaching pendant is a handheld device by which a human can control a robot.

Computer-Aided Design

Apostrophe, a rhetorical device by which a speaker turns from the audience as a whole to address a single person or thing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The interjection of the supernatural is a clever device by which the filmmakers illustrate a shift in paradigms in the face of a labor action Ebenezer skillfully buys off the agitator with the gift of a turkey.

Forbes

A dimmer is an electrical device by which the intensity of stage lights connected to it can be controlled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dramatic irony, a literary device by which the audience's or reader's understanding of events or individuals in a work surpasses that of its characters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a device by which" in formal or technical writing when you want to emphasize the instrumentality of a particular tool or mechanism in achieving a specific outcome. Be mindful of the tone and context to ensure it fits appropriately.

Common error

Avoid using "a device by which" in casual or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "a tool that…" or "a way to…" are often more appropriate and natural-sounding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a device by which" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, indicating the instrumentality or means by which an action is performed or a result is achieved. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is a grammatically correct construction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a device by which" is a grammatically correct and usable construction, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to specify the instrumentality or means through which something is achieved, making it suitable for formal, scientific, and technical contexts. While not overly common, its usage is consistent across reputable sources like The New Yorker, Encyclopedia Britannica, and The Guardian. When aiming for a more casual tone, consider using alternatives such as "a means by which" or "a way to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a means by which

Substitutes "device" with "means", highlighting the method or way something is achieved.

a mechanism through which

Replaces "device" with "mechanism" and "by which" with "through which", emphasizing the process or system involved.

a system by which

Replaces "device" with "system", focusing on the organized structure enabling the action.

a method through which

Replaces "device" with "method", shifting the focus to a procedure or approach.

an apparatus by which

Uses "apparatus" instead of "device", suggesting a more complex or technical piece of equipment.

an instrument by which

Uses "instrument" instead of "device", implying a precise or specialized tool.

a tool with which

Replaces "device" with "tool" and rephrases the prepositional phrase, focusing on the direct instrumentality.

a vehicle through which

Substitutes "device" with "vehicle", often implying a channel or medium for achieving something.

a way in which

Simplifies the phrase to "a way in which", making it slightly less formal.

a channel through which

Replaces "device" with "channel", highlighting a pathway or route for action or communication.

FAQs

How can I use "a device by which" in a sentence?

The phrase "a device by which" is used to describe a tool or mechanism that enables a particular action or outcome. For example: "The telescope is "a device by which" we can observe distant stars."

What are some alternatives to "a device by which"?

You can use alternatives such as "a means by which", "a method through which", or "a tool that allows" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a device by which" or "a device that"?

While both are grammatically correct, "a device by which" is more formal and emphasizes the instrumentality of the device. "A device that" is simpler and more commonly used in general writing.

What is the difference between "a device by which" and "a device for"?

"A device by which" describes the mechanism through which something is achieved, while "a device for" describes the purpose of the device. For example, "a device by which signals are transmitted" versus "a device for transmitting signals".