by attaching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'by attaching' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when one is indicating a method of adding or connecting something to something else. For example, "He improved the strength of the structure by attaching extra beams to the walls."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

…active detector by attaching a piezoelectric sensor.

Britannica

Girth can added by attaching tissue sheets of AlloDerm.

The Guardian - Opinion

The railroad retaliated by attaching chains to the owls.

The New York Times

It was synthesized by attaching the selectin-binding peptide.

Neoplasia

Not that Hilton or even Murdoch have found power by attaching themselves to Trump.

The Guardian - Opinion

Radulovich is particularly excited at the possibility of growing rice by attaching rice plants to ropes.

The Guardian

Eva Perón gained authority by attaching herself to a powerful man.

The New York Times

Basically, by attaching to these, the drugs block the transmission of pain messages to the brain".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Researchers at Tsinghua did just that, by attaching four electric-bike motors to a chassis.

The New Yorker

A subscriber can take digital snapshots by attaching the one-ounce camera accessory to the phone.

The New York Times - Tech

Basil Constantine achieved notoriety by attaching cadaver parts to his canvases.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by attaching", ensure that the method of attachment is clear and relevant to the context. For instance, specify whether something is attached with glue, screws, or another method to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "by attaching" without specifying how the attachment is achieved. A vague description can confuse the reader. Instead of saying "The sensor was improved by attaching it to the device", specify how the sensor was attached: "The sensor was improved by attaching it with adhesive to the device."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by attaching" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the method or means by which an action is performed. It modifies a verb, adverb, or adjective, providing information on how something is connected or added, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by attaching" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the method of connecting or adding something to another. As Ludwig AI highlights, its grammatical status is correct, and its usage is very common across diverse contexts like science, news, academia, and even general guides. To use it effectively, ensure that the mode of attachment is clearly specified to avoid vagueness. While alternatives like "via attachment" or "by affixing" exist, the choice depends on the desired level of formality and specific nuance. The phrase finds frequent use in authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by affixing

Replaces "attaching" with a more formal synonym, "affixing", suitable for technical or legal contexts.

via attachment

Emphasizes the means or route through which something is connected or added, shifting focus from the action of attaching to the method.

through connection

Highlights the act of linking or joining, suggesting a more general relationship than the specific physical act of "attaching".

by means of fastening

Replaces "attaching" with a more formal term, "fastening", emphasizing the act of securing something in place.

by linking

Highlights a chain/relationship between 2 items, or more, whereas "by attaching" implies adding to

by incorporating

Indicates a method of including one thing into another, which is similar to attaching, but focusing more on inclusion.

using adhesion

Focuses on the principle of sticking or clinging, implying a surface-level connection rather than a more robust attachment.

via the addition of

Shifts the focus to the act of adding something, rather than the specific mechanism of attachment.

through the use of fasteners

Specifies that fasteners (like screws, bolts, etc.) are used in the attachment process.

by supplementing with

Emphasizes the idea of adding something extra, which is related to attaching, but with an extra idea.

FAQs

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

The phrase "by attaching" indicates a method of connecting or adding something. For example, "You can improve the antenna's signal strength "by attaching" a copper wire to it."

What are some alternatives to saying "by attaching"?

Alternatives include "via attachment", "by affixing", or "through connection" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a more formal way to say "by attaching"?

Yes, "by affixing" is a more formal synonym that can be used in technical or legal contexts.

What's the difference between "by attaching" and "by connecting"?

"By attaching" typically implies a physical connection or addition, whereas "by connecting" suggests a broader link or relationship. For example, you might improve a device ""by attaching" an external antenna", but you improve its functionality "by connecting it to the internet".