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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
by activate
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "by activate" is not correct in written English.
It seems to be a misuse of the word "activate," which typically requires a different preposition or structure. Example: "You can start the process by activating the software."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
7 human-written examples
All the present results indicated that CMCS can protect NO induced chondrocytes apoptosis by activate PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Gem Group, a construction firm backed by Activate Capital, a state-backed fund, is planning to build a large new housing development in Dunshaughlin, the Meath town along Dublin's commuter belt.
News & Media
In the home market, a report by Activate found that 65% of smart speaker owners hadn't installed any third-party skills the vertical AIs at all.
News & Media
A snowboard was donated by Activate water and signed by every celebrity that came by the Rally Sundance space.
News & Media
They also signed a pledge circulated by Activate Virginia rejecting political donations from regulated utilities like Dominion Energy, long considered to be a shadow government in Virginia.
News & Media
On a panel moderated by Activate founder Michael Wolf, Sony's EVP Global Digital Operations & New Technology Scott Dinsdale explained "it is no longer about distribution and pushing content to the marketplace.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
53 human-written examples
Both plasmin and kallikrein amplify the inflammatory response by activating components of the contact activation system.
Academia
Vaccines work by activating a patient's immune system.
News & Media
Pioglitazone improves insulin sensitivity by activating PPARγ.
These DEPs may function by activating oxygen scavenging.
Science & Research
Axl can enhance the accumulation of ROS by activating Rac1.
Science & Research
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing a mechanism or process, use grammatically correct alternatives like "through activation of", "by activating", or "via activation of" instead of "by activate". These alternatives provide clarity and maintain a professional tone.
Common error
Avoid using "by" directly before a verb in its base form (e.g., "activate"). Instead, use the gerund form (e.g., "activating") or a noun form with an appropriate preposition (e.g., "through activation").
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
1.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "by activate" attempts to indicate the means by which an action is performed, but it is grammatically flawed. As Ludwig AI points out, "activate" typically requires a different preposition or a gerund form to be grammatically correct. The intended function is to express causation or instrumentality.
Frequent in
Science
57%
News & Media
43%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Academia
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "by activate" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. Although Ludwig shows several examples where this phrase is used, these instances are outweighed by the grammatical issues it presents. Instead, use alternatives such as "through activation of" or "by activating" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity. Ludwig AI highlights that the incorrect usage stems from improper preposition selection before the verb "activate". Always prioritize grammatically sound constructions to maintain professionalism and precision in your writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
through activation of
This alternative uses a noun form ("activation") and the preposition "through" to indicate the means by which something is achieved. The preposition "through" is more grammatically correct than "by" when followed by a noun related to an action.
by activating
This is the gerund form of the verb activate that is more acceptable grammatically.
via activation of
Similar to "through activation of", "via" indicates the channel or method used to achieve a result. It's a concise and relatively formal option.
by means of activation
This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the method or tool used to achieve a specific outcome.
through the process of activation
This option is more verbose but explicitly highlights the series of actions that lead to a particular result.
by the agency of
This alternative is highly formal and emphasizes the entity or force that causes something to happen.
resulting from activation
This focuses on the outcome or consequence of an activation process, shifting the emphasis slightly.
stemming from activation
Similar to "resulting from", this indicates that something originates or arises from the act of activation.
due to activation
This alternative directly attributes a result or effect to the cause of activation.
as a result of activation
Similar to "due to activation", this phrase emphasizes the consequence of activation. It is more explicit and formal.
FAQs
What are some correct ways to express the idea of something happening through activation?
Instead of using the grammatically incorrect phrase "by activate", you can say "through activation of", "by activating", or "via activation of". These alternatives are more grammatically sound and maintain clarity.
Is "by activate" considered grammatically correct in academic or formal writing?
No, "by activate" is not considered grammatically correct. It's best to use alternatives like "through activation of" or "by activating" to maintain a professional tone.
What's the difference between "by activating" and "by activate"?
"By activating" is the correct form, using the gerund "activating". "By activate" is grammatically incorrect because "by" typically requires a noun or a gerund, not the base form of the verb. Use "by activating" instead of "by activate".
In what contexts might I encounter the phrase "by activate", and why is it problematic?
While you might occasionally find "by activate" in informal contexts or in writing where grammatical precision is not strictly enforced, it is generally considered incorrect. It's problematic because it violates standard English grammar rules regarding preposition usage. Always opt for correct alternatives like "through activation of" or "by activating".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
1.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested