by competing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by competing" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to indicate that something is accomplished or achieved through competition. Example: By competing in the annual spelling bee, Sarah improved her spelling skills and gained more confidence in public speaking.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Or a North-South power grab by competing party bosses?

The New York Times

On the other hand, we would prefer winning by competing".

The New York Times - Sports

By competing on the world stage, we show we exist.

The New York Times

In some areas, householders are besieged by competing gas suppliers.

The Economist

A shared enemy is supplanted by competing interests.

The New York Times

The legislation is already riven by competing interests and fears.

The New York Times - Tech

Mifepristone works by competing with progesterone for receptors on cells.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although it has been muddled by competing standards, the market is maturing.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Andrei Popov said we're trying to make history, just by competing," says Purvis.

The Guardian - Sport

Mental strength is a huge factor in developing tennis players and you get that by competing".

The Guardian - Sport

The state allocates the credits to specific projects proposed by competing developers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by competing" to clearly indicate that an outcome or achievement is a direct result of competition. It succinctly conveys the idea of achieving something through competitive means.

Common error

Avoid using "by competing" when the situation doesn't genuinely involve competition. Opt for alternatives like "by participating" or "by engaging" if the context is more about involvement than direct rivalry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by competing" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. It indicates how an action is performed or a result is achieved, specifically through the act of competition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by competing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that adds clarity and precision to writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct. Its primary function is to modify a verb, adverb, or adjective, specifying how an action is performed—namely, through competition. It is versatile enough for use in various contexts, including news, scientific writing, and business communication, although overuse in non-competitive situations should be avoided. Alternative phrases like "through competition", "via rivalry", and "by participating" offer subtle variations in meaning, allowing for greater nuance. Overall, mastering the use of "by competing" enhances one's ability to express competitive dynamics effectively in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through competition

Replaces 'by' with 'through', emphasizing the means of competition.

via rivalry

Substitutes "competing" with "rivalry", highlighting the competitive aspect.

by contending

Uses "contending" as a synonym for "competing", suggesting active engagement in a struggle.

by participating

Replaces "competing" with "participating", broadening the scope to include any form of involvement.

by engaging in competition

Adds "engaging in" to emphasize the act of participating in a competitive environment.

through vying

Replaces "competing" with "vying", suggesting a strong desire to win or achieve something.

by challenging

Emphasizes the act of posing a challenge or rivalry.

through contest

Highlights that the results are achieved by contest.

by striving

Uses "striving" to convey effort and ambition in a competitive context.

by battling

Substitutes "competing" with "battling", implying a more intense and confrontational form of competition.

FAQs

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

You can use "by competing" to show that an achievement is a result of competition. For instance, "The company improved its market share "by competing" aggressively with its rivals".

What are some alternatives to "by competing"?

Alternatives include "through competition", "via rivalry", or "by participating", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "by competing" and "by participating"?

"By competing" implies a direct rivalry and striving for victory, while "by participating" simply suggests involvement without necessarily emphasizing the competitive aspect.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "by competing"?

It is most appropriate in contexts where there is a clear sense of competition, such as sports, business, or academic contests. It highlights that success is achieved through direct rivalry.