a feature by which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a feature by which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific characteristic or functionality of something, often in technical or formal contexts. Example: "The software includes a feature by which users can customize their interface according to their preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

On 6 October 2007 I held a party for my newly arrived washing machine, the Siemens WM12E468GB, which, apart from being an effective and efficient washer of clothes, has a feature by which it weighs the clothes and adjusts the water required automatically.

The Guardian - Tech

Some mice have a "feature" by which it will "correct" the motion of the mouse into a straight line.

TechCrunch

Another major player, Tesla, recently announced a feature by which a person can summon their car out of a parking spot.

BBC

It will include Cross Reference Linking, Alert services, and Online First™, a feature by which articles are published online before they appear in print.

Springer

Finally, we created a feature by which questioners and the moderator have to authorise Q&A combinations to be published in the public database.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Finally, we observed that an inherent difference in the mechanical stability of single and double event rupture peaks could be used as a feature by which to discriminate the binding modes.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

There will also be a "send a gift" feature by which they can send icons to their Facebook friends.

The New York Times

It does this using 'drag-and-link'; a simple feature by which text extracts copied from source locations are appended with hyperlinks to force the re-display of the source.

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

Instead of discussing whether we should force cut by making it a primitive rule, we can inversely use the admissibility or non-admissibility of cut to be a feature by means of which we classify definitions.

SEP

With his shaven head, thick beard and prosthetic leg, fitted after he lost a foot to a landmine the features by which what remained of his body were identified—he became, for most Russians, the monstrous incarnation of the Chechen resistance.The results of his death are ambiguous.

The Economist

In September, code was discovered hidden in the Messenger app that referenced a feature by the same name, which also offered some explanation of how Rooms worked.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a feature by which" to introduce a specific, technical, or formal capability of a system, product, or process. It's most effective when describing how something achieves a particular outcome in a clear and concise manner.

Common error

Avoid using "a feature by which" in casual or informal writing; it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a way to" or "a function that" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a feature by which" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a description of a particular capability or attribute. As noted by Ludwig AI, it specifies how something achieves a certain result. The examples illustrate its role in defining specific functionalities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

34%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a feature by which" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a specific capability or attribute that enables something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most appropriate in formal, technical, or scientific writing. While its frequency is uncommon, it serves to provide detailed explanations of a functionality's operation. Alternatives include "a mechanism that allows" or "a function that enables". When using this phrase, avoid overuse in informal contexts to maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mechanism that allows

Emphasizes the 'how' something is achieved, focusing on the underlying process.

a function that enables

Highlights the capability provided, centering on the resulting action.

a means through which

Focuses on the pathway or method used to accomplish a specific outcome.

a system where

Suggests a structured setup facilitating a particular result.

a method to

Offers a more concise way to express a procedure for achieving something.

an attribute that provides

Highlights a characteristic that supplies a certain capability.

a quality enabling

Highlights a distinctive aspect which allows a certain result.

a characteristic that facilitates

Focuses on the role in making an action or process easier.

an element permitting

Emphasizes the aspect that grants permission for something to happen.

a property allowing for

Highlights an inherent trait that enables a specific outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "a feature by which" to describe a specific characteristic or functionality that enables something. For example: "The software includes "a feature by which" users can customize their interface".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "a mechanism that allows", "a function that enables", or "a means through which", depending on the specific context.

Is "a feature by which" formal or informal?

"A feature by which" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives such as "a way to" or "a function that".

In what contexts is "a feature by which" most appropriate?

This phrase is best suited for technical documentation, formal reports, and academic writing where precise and detailed descriptions of functionalities are required.