by bolster

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by bolster" is not correct in English and does not convey a clear meaning.
It seems to be an incomplete expression, and without additional context, it is difficult to determine its intended use. Example: "The project was improved by bolster" does not make sense as it stands.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Law enforcement is strengthened by bolstering immigrants' rights.

The New York Times

Mr. Cameron's government is seeking to strengthen the British economic recovery by bolstering trade.

The New York Times

By bolstering investors' confidence in the marketplace, regulation can help companies raise capital.

The Economist

Regulations protecting consumers should help, by bolstering their trust in merchants.

The Economist

China's neighbors have reacted by bolstering their own naval forces.

The New York Times

By bolstering the ventricle, the device buys ailing people time to recover.

The New York Times

The move is intended to avoid a Nasdaq delisting by bolstering the company's share price.

The New York Times

We protect the weaker lambs by bolstering the fold's communal defenses.

The New York Times

In other words, they defend themselves by bolstering their attitudes against the person giving feedback.

Harvard Business Review

The nation could emerge strong once again by bolstering the middle class, investing in education and infrastructure, and emphasizing innovation.

Yale University

The trust will attempt to stop this by bolstering the finances of gene banks around the world.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "by bolster" as it is not standard English. Instead, use more common and grammatically correct alternatives such as "by reinforcing" or "by strengthening".

Common error

The verb "bolster" requires an object. Using "by bolster" without specifying what is being bolstered creates a grammatically incomplete phrase. Always clarify what is being strengthened or supported. For instance, you can say "by bolstering confidence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by bolster" is an incorrect prepositional phrase followed by a verb. In correct English, a preposition like "by" should be followed by a gerund (verb ending in -ing) or a noun. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by bolster" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in both formal and informal writing. As Ludwig AI indicates, it lacks a clear meaning and violates standard English grammar rules. Instead, use alternatives like "by reinforcing" or "by strengthening", ensuring that the verb "bolster" is followed by a direct object. The absence of real-world examples further underscores the unacceptability of this phrase. When using "bolster", always ensure that the sentence is constructed correctly to convey the intended meaning clearly and grammatically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by reinforcing

Replaces "bolster" with a more common and grammatically sound synonym indicating strengthening.

by supporting

Offers a general alternative that emphasizes the act of providing assistance or strength.

through strengthening

Uses a different preposition and verb form to express the concept of making something stronger.

via enhancement of

Employs a more formal tone and focuses on the improvement aspect of bolstering.

by augmenting

Replaces "bolster" with a synonym that suggests increasing or enlarging something.

by fortifying

Suggests a more defensive or protective strengthening action.

through the act of bolstering

Emphasizes the action itself, though the core issue of "bolster" remains.

by providing a boost to

Breaks down the concept into a more explicit and easily understood phrase.

by aiding in the support of

Uses a more verbose structure with general verbs like "aid" and "support".

through the improvement of

Focuses on the result of bolstering, i.e. improvement.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "bolster" in a sentence?

The verb "bolster" needs an object. A correct sentence would be: "The company aimed to improve profits "by bolstering sales"."

What are some alternatives to the verb "bolster"?

Alternatives include "strengthen", "reinforce", "support", "augment", and "fortify", depending on the specific context.

Is "by bolster" grammatically correct?

No, "by bolster" is grammatically incorrect. The correct usage involves using "bolster" as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. Examples: "by bolstering confidence" or "by bolstering defenses".

How can I improve my writing to avoid using incorrect phrases like "by bolster"?

Always ensure that verbs have a clear object. If you're unsure, try replacing the verb with a synonym and see if the sentence makes more sense. For instance, instead of "by bolster", consider "by strengthen", and then add the object (e.g., "by strengthening the economy").