by activating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by activating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of making something active or operational, often in a technical or procedural context. Example: "The system will improve its performance by activating the new software update."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Vaccines work by activating a patient's immune system.

The New York Times - Health

The team filled the roster spot by activating the rookie center Daniel Santiago.

The New York Times - Sports

They theorize that these doses protect against cancer by activating cells' natural defense mechanisms.

The New York Times - Science

They did it by activating a figure outside the work: the viewer.

The New Yorker

Fibrinolytic drugs work by activating the so-called fibrinolytic pathway.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This would be done by activating appropriate genes.

The Economist

The Wisconsin report underlined another unresolved link in the theory, that of whether resveratrol actually works by activating sirtuins.

The New York Times - Health

Thus, Hydra appears to adapt to losing its nerves by activating the neuronal genetic program in skin cells.

The Guardian

Pioglitazone improves insulin sensitivity by activating PPARγ.

European Journal of Pharmacology

"By activating the actuators successively, the robot begins to crawl.

TechCrunch

These strategies are selected dynamically by activating the corresponding modes.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a technical process, ensure the subject and object of "by activating" are precise to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify which component or feature is being activated and what the resulting effect is.

Common error

Be specific about what is being activated and what the result is. Vague usage can lead to confusion. Instead of saying "Performance was improved by activating…", clarify with "Performance was improved by activating the turbo boost feature."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by activating" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a gerund, indicating the means or method through which an action is accomplished. According to Ludwig AI, it describes how something is made active or operational, often preceding the specific element being brought into action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by activating" is a prepositional phrase used to describe how an action leads to a specific result. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is most frequently found in science and news & media, reflecting its utility in explaining processes and mechanisms. While generally neutral to formal, its suitability depends on the context. For enhanced clarity, users should specify what is being activated and what the result is. Alternatives include phrases such as "through enabling" and "via triggering".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through enabling

Emphasizes the means of making something possible, shifting focus from the action to the capability.

via triggering

Highlights the initiation of a process or event, suggesting a cause-and-effect relationship.

by initiating

Focuses on starting a process, rather than just making something active.

by employing

Suggests the use of a specific method or resource to make something active.

by triggering

Highlights the action of setting off a chain of events.

by enabling

Focuses on making something capable of action.

by stimulating

Emphasizes the act of encouraging or arousing activity.

by setting in motion

Suggests initiating a series of actions or a process.

by actuating

Focuses on the mechanical or technical aspect of initiating action.

by deploying

Highlights the strategic use of resources or methods to initiate action.

FAQs

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

Use "by activating" to explain a process where an action leads to a specific result. For example, "The system improved its efficiency "by activating" the new software update".

What's the difference between "by activating" and "by enabling"?

"By activating" suggests initiating an action or process, while "by enabling" focuses on making something capable of action. Consider "The alarm was triggered "by activating" the motion sensor" versus "The feature was made available "by enabling" the developer mode".

Are there formal alternatives to "by activating"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "through the activation of", "via the implementation of", or "by means of activating" for a more formal tone.

Can I use "by activating" in both technical and non-technical contexts?

Yes, but be mindful of your audience. While suitable for technical descriptions, consider simpler alternatives like "by turning on" or "by starting" in non-technical contexts for better clarity.