by construction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by construction" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to emphasize that something has been built or constructed with a purpose or plan in mind. For example, "The bridge was designed by engineers and built by construction workers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

∠EAB = ∠CAI = 90°, by construction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Through June 22, a exhibition of artwork by construction workers.

The New York Times

Consultants gather like bees to honey, followed by construction lobbyists.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tells about the sidewalk, which has been blocked by construction.

The New Yorker

Santiago is booming; its skyline punctuated by construction cranes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Timber construction was superseded by construction in marble and stone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(The ballet season was not interrupted by construction).

The New York Times

Square ABDE = rectangle AGFE + rectangle BDFG, by construction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some towns say they will be crushed by construction costs.

The New York Times

Then, by construction (1.7).

Advances in Difference Equations

By construction, f ∗ satisfies (5.5).

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by construction" to clearly indicate that a particular property or characteristic is a direct outcome of the way something was created or defined. This adds precision to your writing, especially in technical or mathematical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "by construction" in casual or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "because of the way it's made" or "by design" would be more appropriate. Overusing technical phrases can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by construction" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a statement to indicate that a particular property or characteristic is a direct consequence of how something was created or defined. Ludwig shows that it's commonly used to explain inherent qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

77%

News & Media

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Unknown/unmatched sources

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by construction" is a formal adverbial phrase used to indicate that a property or result is a direct and logical outcome of how something has been created or defined. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in scientific and technical contexts, serving to emphasize a clear connection between method and outcome. While versatile, it is less common in informal writing, where simpler alternatives may be more suitable. Remember to use "by construction" to add precision and clarity to technical explanations, ensuring your writing maintains a formal and authoritative tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by design

This alternative emphasizes the intentional planning behind the result, differing from "by construction" which focuses more on the process itself.

by virtue of its design

This phrase is more explicit and highlights that the design is the reason for the outcome, whereas "by construction" is more concise.

as a result of the method

This option shifts the focus to the method employed, offering a slightly more detailed explanation than "by construction".

inherently

This single word implies that the quality is built-in or intrinsic, making it a more concise but potentially less precise alternative.

perforce

This is a more formal and less common way of saying "necessarily" or "by necessity", implying that the result is unavoidable given the process.

necessarily

This adverb indicates that something must be true or happen as a consequence, which is similar to the implication of "by construction".

ipso facto

A Latin term meaning "by the fact itself", this alternative is more formal and emphasizes the direct consequence of a definition or condition.

by definition

This phrase suggests that the result is true because of the way something is defined, which is similar but focuses more on definitions than processes.

in consequence

This alternative highlights the consequential nature of the construction or design, providing a slightly more formal tone.

accordingly

This adverb means "in a way that is appropriate to the particular circumstances", indicating a logical connection similar to "by construction".

FAQs

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

You can use "by construction" to indicate that a certain property or result is inherent to the way something has been built or defined. For instance, "The algorithm, "by construction", avoids infinite loops".

What's the difference between "by construction" and "by design"?

"By design" implies intentional planning and purpose, whereas ""by construction"" emphasizes the direct consequence of the building process or definition itself. "By design" highlights the intent, while "by construction" emphasizes the outcome.

What are some alternatives to "by construction"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "by design", "inherently", "necessarily", or "as a result of the method".

Is "by construction" formal or informal?

"By construction" is generally considered a formal phrase, often used in technical, scientific, or mathematical contexts. It's less common in everyday conversation or informal writing.