by completing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by completing" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is often used to show the means or method by which something is accomplished. Example: "You can earn extra credit by completing the bonus assignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Another person continued by completing further modules with their children.

The Guardian

Just by completing secondary school, Esther has overcome huge odds.

The Guardian

I finish the work day by completing my patient records.

The Guardian

Help us answer this question by completing the questionnaire!

The Guardian

Google saves us seconds by completing our searches.

The New York Times

The Cardinals identified themselves as one team by completing a sweep of Arizona on Saturday night.

The New York Times - Sports

We began Saturday morning by completing most of the wall sheathing.

The New York Times

Auburn quarterback Jason Campbell saved his team by completing 27 of 35 passes for 374 yards.

The New York Times

He finished that first series by completing 4 of 5 passes for 59 yards.

The New York Times - Sports

You can also cancel by completing the cancellation form found here and returning it to us.

The Guardian

Immigrants deserve the chance to become Americans by completing the immigration process legally.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by completing" to clearly indicate the method or action that leads to a specific outcome or result. This phrase is effective for providing instructions or explaining processes.

Common error

Ensure the sentence clearly states what is being completed. Vague references can confuse the reader. For example, instead of "Improve results by completing", specify "Improve results by completing all steps of the process".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by completing" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the means or method through which something is achieved. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

9%

Reference

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by completing" is a versatile and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate the method or means by which an action achieves a specific outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is common across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general reference materials. When writing, "by completing" effectively explains processes, provides instructions, and outlines requirements. While generally neutral in register, consider more formal alternatives like "upon completion of" for elevated tone. Ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is being completed to avoid ambiguity. With authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian showcasing its consistent use, "by completing" remains a reliable tool for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon completion of

Emphasizes the moment something is finished, often used in formal contexts.

after finishing

Highlights the sequential aspect of completing something before another action.

on completing

Similar to 'upon completion of', but can be slightly less formal.

through completing

Focuses on the process or means by which something is achieved.

via completing

Similar to 'through completing', indicating a specific route or method.

by means of completion

A more formal and elaborate way of saying "by completing".

with the completion of

Emphasizes the result or state after something is finished.

in completing

Highlights the action of completing as part of a larger activity.

by the action of completing

Focuses on the act of completing itself, rather than the result.

through the act of finishing

Stresses the process and finalization of a task.

FAQs

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

Use "by completing" to specify the action that leads to a desired result. For instance, "You can improve your grade "by completing" all assignments".

What are some alternatives to using "by completing"?

Alternatives include "through finishing", "upon completion of", or "via completing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "by completing" and "after completing"?

"By completing" emphasizes the method, while "after completing" highlights the sequence of events. "By completing the survey, you consent to participate" focuses on the action as a means, whereas "After completing the survey, you will receive a gift card" focuses on what happens next.

Can "by completing" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "by completing" is suitable for formal writing. However, for a more elevated tone, consider alternatives like "upon completion of" or "through the act of finishing".