a note by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a note by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the author or source of a note or message, often in formal or academic contexts. Example: "The findings were summarized in a note by Dr. Smith, highlighting the key points of the research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Includes a note by M-L.

University of California, Berkeley

On her return, Jeffrey had left a note by one of the slides.

The Guardian

In Notes, the Share button offers to send a note by Mail or Messages.

The New York Times

Of these, 11 face social conflicts, according to a note by Canada's Scotiabank.

The Economist

/ designed and printed by Johnson & Riddle Co. ; with a note by Walter Emanuel.

Yale University

The New Yorker, November 22 , 1941P. 13 A Washington bachelor was left a note by his colored maid.

The New Yorker

At the time her employer was sent a note by HM Revenue & Customs instructing it to cease loan repayments.

The Guardian - Money

Jordan: They had a note by the bar at our gig at the Roundhouse, saying Rizzle Tips.

The Guardian - Music

After finding a note by the office printer — "RESIGN & GET THE DIARY BACK" — Eva leaves her job.

The New Yorker

"I was given a note by the director yesterday," Jim Leaver said, on the morning before previews began last week.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Kind of Blue, by Ashley Kahn Da Capoo, $15), is a note-by-note account of the two recording sessions that produced the classic 1959 Miles Davis record.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When attributing information, especially in academic or journalistic writing, use "a note by" to clearly indicate the source and maintain a formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "a note by" in extremely informal contexts, such as casual conversations or social media posts. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "from" or "by" for naturalness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a note by" functions primarily as an attribution marker, indicating the source or author of a written message, comment, or observation. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It is typically used to credit information to a specific individual or entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a note by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for attributing information to a specific source. Ludwig confirms this, indicating its suitability for diverse writing contexts. It finds its most common usage in "news and media", "academia", and "science", lending credibility and transparency to statements. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to formal contexts, where precise attribution is valued. When in doubt, consider alternatives like "from", "according to", or "attributed to" to ensure the best fit for your intended audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a report by

Implies a more detailed and formal account.

a communication from

Formal way of saying "a message from".

in a message from

Specifies the medium of communication.

a memo from

Suggests an internal communication.

according to a statement from

Emphasizes the statement's content over its physical form.

written by

Focuses on the act of writing and authorship.

as indicated by

Highlights that information is derived from a specific source.

from the desk of

Indicates direct personal authorship.

attributed to

Specifically credits the origin or authorship.

bearing the signature of

Emphasizes formal attribution and responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "a note by" in a sentence?

Use "a note by" to attribute information or an observation to a specific person or entity. For example, "According to "a note by" the director, the budget has been revised."

What can I say instead of "a note by"?

You can use alternatives like "according to a statement from", "as indicated by", or "attributed to" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a note by" or "from" when indicating the source of information?

The choice depends on the context. "A note by" is generally more formal and suitable for academic or professional writing, while "from" is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

What's the difference between "a note by" and "a report by"?

"A note by" implies a brief communication or observation, while "a report by" suggests a more detailed and formal document. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the nature of the source material.