by clearing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by clearing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the action of removing obstacles or making something clear in a process or situation. Example: "The team improved their workflow by clearing unnecessary tasks from their schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Bauer began by clearing and cutting.

The New York Times

Again, start by clearing expensive debts.

The Guardian - Money

She decides that we will start by clearing the floor.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She began by clearing up a few points.

The Guardian

"Create defensible space by clearing brush away from your home.

The Guardian

Players advance by clearing all the bricks on a given screen.

The New York Times

Newcomers qualified for ownership of a plot of land simply by clearing the trees on it.

The Economist

Banks have also earned big revenues supporting SAC by clearing its trades and financing its operations.

The New York Times

New settlements were established by clearing the woods and advancing to more remote mountain areas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fires can actually benefit ecosystems by clearing brush and regenerating forests.

The Guardian

"But the formation of new memories is facilitated by clearing away the clutter, if you like".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by clearing", ensure that the object being cleared is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Improve performance by clearing unnecessary data" is clearer than "Improve performance by clearing".

Common error

Avoid using "by clearing" without clearly specifying what is being cleared. This can lead to confusion and weaken the sentence's impact. Instead of saying 'The project was improved by clearing', specify 'The project was improved by clearing outdated files'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by clearing" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase introducing a gerund. It indicates the method or means by which an action is performed or a result is achieved. Ludwig AI analysis of examples shows it commonly modifies verbs, explaining how something is done.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

24%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by clearing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used way to describe the method or means of achieving a specific result. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a prepositional phrase followed by a gerund, explaining how an action is carried out. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific contexts, indicating its versatility across different writing styles. To ensure clarity, always specify the object being cleared. When a more direct alternative is desired, consider using phrases like "by eliminating" or "through removal of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by eliminating

This alternative provides a more direct synonym for "clearing", focusing on the action of eliminating something.

through removal of

This alternative replaces the gerund "clearing" with the noun "removal", changing the sentence structure slightly.

through the clearance of

This alternative uses a more formal noun, "clearance", and restructures the sentence to fit this noun.

by getting rid of

This alternative uses a more informal and direct verb phrase, "getting rid of", making it less formal.

with the removal of

This option uses "with" to indicate the means, which is a bit less direct than "by".

via the act of clearing

This option adds more formality by using "via the act of", which is more verbose than the original phrase.

in the process of clearing

This phrase emphasizes the process involved in clearing, providing a slightly more detailed description.

through purging

This option suggests a more thorough and forceful removal, implying a deeper cleaning action.

by tidying up

This phrase implies a more general act of cleaning and organizing, which may be less specific than the original.

by excavating

This alternative is useful when referring to the clearing of land or physical space, such as in construction or archeology.

FAQs

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

The phrase "by clearing" is used to describe a method or action taken to achieve a result. For example, "You can improve website speed "by clearing the cache"" or "The forest fire was controlled "by clearing a firebreak"".

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

You can use alternatives like "through removal of", "by eliminating", or "via the act of clearing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "clearing by" instead of "by clearing"?

The phrase "clearing by" is less common and typically implies a different meaning than "by clearing". "By clearing" indicates the method used to achieve a result, while "clearing by" might suggest a spatial arrangement or a method of passing something. Thus, "by clearing" is generally the preferred and more grammatically sound choice for indicating the means of achieving a result.

What is the difference between "by clearing" and "through clearing"?

Both "by clearing" and "through clearing" are grammatically correct and can often be used interchangeably. However, "by clearing" usually emphasizes the action as a direct means, while "through clearing" can emphasize the process or the path taken. For example, "The path was made safe "by clearing the debris"" focuses on the action, whereas "The goal was achieved "through clearing obstacles"" emphasizes the process involved.