by containing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by containing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of including or holding something within a certain context or structure. Example: "The solution works effectively by containing the necessary ingredients for a successful reaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Vasimr avoids the melting engine problem by containing and guiding the gases with magnetic fields.

The New York Times - Science

South by containing Michael Vick, helped by five sacks and two interceptions.

The New York Times

Burned brick, no doubt, had already been produced simply by containing a fire with mud bricks.

Britannica

The microcarrier is characterized by containing no animal-derived components.

Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering

The Dolphins' defense kept the game close by containing the dangerous trio of Manning, Edgerrin James and Marvin Harrison.

The New York Times - Sports

Her new film, Bluebeard, breaks new Breillat ground by containing not one bit of sex or nudity.

The Guardian - Film

"If we're ever going to have accessible health insurance for all Americans, we have to begin by containing costs.

The New York Times - Health

By containing his encounter with America to time spent with a coyote, Beuys insulated himself in an acutely observed dialogue.

The Guardian - Books

Our dataset allows to do so, by containing information on product-level prices at a yearly frequency.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The other differed only by containing more air: they were like puffed breakfast cereal.

Independent

Many famous pooling designs have been constructed from mathematical structures by "containing relations".

Discrete Applied Mathematics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by containing", ensure that the object being contained is clearly defined and that its inclusion is crucial to the sentence's meaning. For example, "The engine is efficient by containing the combustion effectively."

Common error

Avoid using "by containing" in sentences where the containment aspect is not central to the action. For example, instead of saying "The report was long by containing many details", consider a clearer construction like "The report was long because it included many details".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by containing" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, often indicating the means or method by which an action is performed. This usage is supported by Ludwig's examples demonstrating how something is achieved through the act of including or holding something within specific limits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

37%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by containing" is a grammatically correct and widely used prepositional phrase that explains how an action is achieved through the inclusion or confinement of certain elements. It finds frequent application across various domains, including news media, science, and academia, as showcased by Ludwig's examples. While versatile, it is crucial to ensure that the "containment" aspect is central to the meaning to avoid vague or unclear constructions. For alternatives, consider options like "by including" or "through inclusion of", tailoring your choice to the specific context to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by including

A more direct alternative that focuses on the act of adding something.

by integrating

Focuses on the process of combining different parts into a whole.

through inclusion of

This alternative emphasizes the act of incorporating something as a means to achieve a result.

through incorporation of

This option stresses the integration of elements into a larger structure.

via the inclusion of

Similar to "through inclusion of", this option highlights the method of incorporating elements.

by encompassing

This option suggests including a wide range of elements.

by holding

This alternative emphasizes the act of maintaining something within a defined space or limit.

by keeping within

This alternative highlights the act of staying inside certain boundaries.

by limiting

This option shifts the focus to restricting or controlling something.

involving the containment of

This alternative highlights the act of containment within a larger process.

FAQs

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

Use "by containing" to explain how something achieves a result through the inclusion or confinement of a specific element. For example, "The company improved security "by containing access" to sensitive data".

What are some alternatives to "by containing"?

You can use alternatives such as "by including", "through inclusion of", or "via the inclusion of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "by containing" or "by including"?

The choice between "by containing" and "by including" depends on whether the emphasis is on confinement or mere addition. Use "by containing" when the act of keeping something within limits is important.

What's the difference between "by containing" and "by encompassing"?

"By containing" suggests restricting or holding something within specific bounds, while "by encompassing" implies including a wide range of elements. The best choice depends on the intended nuance.