a technique by which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a technique by which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific method or approach used to achieve a particular result or outcome. Example: "The study introduces a technique by which researchers can analyze large datasets more efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

For the first time, scientists have been able to affect the behavior of a primate using optogenetics—a technique by which genetically modified neurons are made to fire with light.

MIT Technology Review

In a further step, we developed a technique by which to incorporate BMP-2 into the sterile polyhedra.

Nature

He and his group were the first to demonstrate a technique by which cadmium sulfide nanopillars can be mass-produced in large-scale flexible modules.

University of California, Berkeley

We demonstrate a technique by which components of an image moving with a given speed and direction may be selectively enhanced.

Stanford University

A1 BUSINESS DAY C1-16 Ban on Tax-Avoidance Strategy The Treasury Department prohibited a technique by which wealthy Americans have used expensive life insurance plans to avoid paying billions of dollars in taxes.

The New York Times

He established a technique by which, without disloyalty to the president, he conveyed to those who came to see him that his own ideas and way of doing things had not changed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

He defined brainstorming as "a conference technique by which a group attempts to find a solution for a specific problem by amassing all the ideas spontaneously thought of by its members".

The Economist

Around the same time that he found his new subjects, he also found a new medium, or at least one new to him: silk-screen printing, basically a commercial technique by which a single stenciled or stamped image could be reproduced many times.

The New York Times - Arts

This paper presents a modelling technique by which an HSpice model can be provided for characterization of phase modulation properties for designing FLC-on-silicon SLMs.

Microelectronics Journal

For them he evolved a special technique by which paint, in a very liquid state he called a sauce, was stroked onto the canvas in fast sweeps of the brush, somewhat in the manner of Japanese calligraphy.

Britannica

Originally used in Greek tragedy, it's a literary technique by which the full significance of a character's words or actions are clear to the audience or reader although unknown to the character.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a technique by which", ensure that the subsequent clause clearly explains how the technique achieves a specific outcome or result. This maintains clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a technique by which" if the relationship between the technique and the result is vague or poorly defined. Ensure the sentence explicitly states the causal link for better understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a technique by which" functions as an introductory phrase that leads into a description of how a particular technique operates or achieves a specific result. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

23%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a technique by which" is a versatile phrase used to introduce and explain a method or process. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English. Its formality makes it particularly well-suited for scientific, academic, and professional contexts. The examples in Ludwig showcase its common usage across various authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Economist, reinforcing its acceptance in formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the connection between the technique and its outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a method by which

Substitutes 'technique' with the synonym 'method', emphasizing a structured process.

a procedure by which

Replaces 'technique' with 'procedure', emphasizing a series of actions conducted in a specific order.

a process through which

Replaces 'by which' with 'through which', highlighting the steps involved in achieving a result.

a means by which

Emphasizes the tools or resources used to accomplish something.

a system whereby

Focuses on the structured organization or set of rules that enable a particular outcome.

a strategy through which

Highlights the planned and deliberate nature of the approach.

an approach that allows for

Highlights the enabling aspect of the method, emphasizing its capacity to permit a certain action or result.

a mechanism that facilitates

Stresses the functional aspect of the technique, portraying it as a tool that makes something easier or possible.

a way in which

Offers a more general alternative, suitable for less formal contexts while still retaining clarity.

a route through which

Emphasizes the pathway or channel through which a result is achieved.

FAQs

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

Use "a technique by which" to introduce a specific method or process that achieves a particular outcome. For example, "Optogenetics is "a technique by which" genetically modified neurons are made to fire with light".

What are some alternatives to saying "a technique by which"?

You can use alternatives such as "a method by which", "a process through which", or "a means by which" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more appropriate to use "a technique by which" or "a technique with which"?

"A technique by which" is generally more appropriate when describing how a technique achieves a result. "A technique with which" might be used to describe tools or instruments used in a technique, but it is less common.

How does "a technique by which" differ from "a technique that"?

"A technique by which" specifically highlights the means or process through which something is accomplished. "A technique that" is more general and can describe any attribute or characteristic of the technique.