by appealing to

USAGE SUMMARY

"by appealing to" is a valid phrase in English and can be used in written English.
For example: The professor persuaded the students to understand the material by appealing to their logic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By appealing to their feet.

Independent

He succeeded by appealing to racial resentment.

The Washington Post

The discount store does it by appealing to your intelligence.

The New Yorker

Cladists usually respond to this charge by appealing to simplicity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's driven by appealing to the very wealthy and tourists".

The New York Times

Some have prospered by appealing to growing ethnic-minority groups.

The Economist

Persuasion works by appealing to certain deeply rooted human responses.

Harvard Business Review

Can either party really win by appealing to gender?

The Guardian - Opinion

President Bush won two national elections not by appealing to the other party, but by appealing to the base.

The New York Times

He did so by appealing to the shared values of both Republicans and Democrats.

University of California, Berkeley

We can bridge political divides by appealing to the other side's moral values.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "by appealing to", ensure that the object of your appeal is clearly defined. For example, specify whether you are appealing to logic, emotions, or authority to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "by appealing to" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying "The audience was persuaded by appealing to their emotions", opt for the more direct "The speaker persuaded the audience by appealing to their emotions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by appealing to" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, adverb, or adjective. It typically indicates the method or means by which someone attempts to persuade, influence, or achieve a specific outcome. Ludwig AI indicates its validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by appealing to" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that describes the method or means of persuasion or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and varied usage make it a valuable tool for effective communication. With a presence across various contexts, from news and media to science and encyclopedias, this phrase demonstrates its adaptability and broad applicability. To ensure clarity and impact, define the object of your appeal and avoid overuse of passive voice. Consider alternatives like "by resorting to" or "by leveraging" to add nuance to your writing. Ultimately, mastering the use of "by appealing to" empowers you to articulate persuasive strategies with precision and sophistication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by resorting to

Changes the focus to the action of using something as a means of achieving an end, often when other methods have failed.

by leveraging

Highlights the strategic use of something to maximize its impact.

by making use of

Emphasizes the act of utilizing something to achieve a particular outcome.

by drawing upon

Stresses the act of using something as a resource or inspiration.

by capitalizing on

Focuses on taking advantage of an opportunity or resource.

through the use of

Highlights the method or instrument employed to accomplish something.

by playing on

Emphasizes the act of manipulating or exploiting someone's emotions or weaknesses.

via the means of

Focuses on the channel or mechanism through which something is achieved.

by exploiting

Highlights the act of using someone or something in an unfair or selfish way.

through

A more concise way of indicating the method by which something is accomplished.

FAQs

How can I use "by appealing to" in a sentence?

You can use "by appealing to" to show how someone persuades or influences others. For example, "The lawyer defended his client "by appealing to the jury's empathy"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "by appealing to"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "through the use of", "by leveraging", or "by drawing upon", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "by appealing to" and "by resorting to"?

"By appealing to" suggests a deliberate attempt to persuade, while "by resorting to" implies using something as a last option, often with negative connotations.

Is it always effective to persuade someone "by appealing to" their emotions?

While appealing to emotions can be powerful, its effectiveness depends on the context and the audience. Overly emotional appeals without logical support can be perceived as manipulative.