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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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by activate

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

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

The Times

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

Forbes

A snowboard was donated by Activate water and signed by every celebrity that came by the Rally Sundance space.

News & Media

Huffington Post

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

HuffPost

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

Huffington Post
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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.

Vaccines work by activating a patient's immune system.

Pioglitazone improves insulin sensitivity by activating PPARγ.

These DEPs may function by activating oxygen scavenging.

Science & Research

Nature

Axl can enhance the accumulation of ROS by activating Rac1.

Science & Research

Nature
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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").

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

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:

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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Most frequent sentences: