by committees

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by committees" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or decisions that are made collectively by a group of people, typically in a formal or organizational context. Example: "The new policy was developed by committees to ensure that all perspectives were considered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Today things are done by committees.

The New York Times

It is allocated by committees rather than commissioners.

The Guardian

His dictatorship was replaced by committees on everything from croquet to decoration.

The New York Times

OVERSIGHT HEARINGS These are called by committees to review or investigate a problem or program.

The New York Times

Other problems will no doubt surface in hearings by committees of the Assembly and the Senate.

The New York Times

It has the instinct, common to decisions made by committees, of favouring everyone's second favourite.

The Guardian - Arts

These days, Beijing is ruled by committees, and it can be difficult to know which committees.

The New Yorker

The work carried out by committees helps inform parliamentarians on issues of concern to the electorate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And negotiations by committees or groups can tend to stumble at deadline, he said.

The New York Times

The remaining 26 were selected by committees formed to recognize the Negro leagues.

The New York Times

They were eased in 1969 to allow abortions approved by committees if a mother was endangered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by committees", consider the context. If the decision-making process was efficient and effective, highlight the positive aspects. If it was slow or cumbersome, be direct about those challenges.

Common error

While "by committees" accurately describes collective decision-making, avoid using it when specific individuals are responsible. Overuse can blur accountability. Instead, specify the individuals responsible for each task.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by committees" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate how something is done. It specifies that an action or decision is performed through the collective effort of multiple committees. Ludwig examples show it describing approval processes, design processes and even how Beijing is ruled.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by committees" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that describes actions or decisions made collectively. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across various domains, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While effective for denoting shared responsibility, it's essential to consider its impact on efficiency and accountability. When using "by committees", strive for clarity, and remember the wide list of alternative expressions like "through group decisions" when aiming for slightly nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through group decisions

Emphasizes the decision-making process is happening within a group.

via collective agreement

Highlights the aspect of agreement among members.

based on group consensus

Focuses on the agreement as the basis of the decision.

by panels

Refers specifically to a formal panel structure involved in the process.

through collaborative efforts

Stresses cooperation and working together.

under board oversight

Focuses on the supervisory role of a board.

with team involvement

Highlights team participation.

in consultation with various bodies

Highlights that different entities contributed to the process.

following deliberation by multiple parties

Underlines a formal, thoughtful process.

subject to review by several bodies

Refers to a layered review process.

FAQs

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

You can use "by committees" to describe processes or decisions made collectively. For instance: "The policy was approved "by committees" after extensive review".

What is a good alternative to "by committees"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "by committees" include "through group decisions", "via collective agreement" or "by panels".

Is it better to say "decided by a committee" or "decided by committees"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "decided by a committee" implies a single committee was involved, whereas "decided "by committees"" suggests multiple committees contributed to the decision.

What are the potential drawbacks of decisions made "by committees"?

Decisions made "by committees" can sometimes be slower and may lead to compromises that dilute original ideas. However, they can also ensure a broader range of perspectives are considered.