by continuing

USAGE SUMMARY

"by continuing" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is ongoing or when describing a situation in which something will continue to happen. For example, "By continuing to make wise investments, I have been able to save a substantial amount of money over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By continuing to engage it".

The Guardian

JK By continuing to exist.

The Guardian - Sport

Most are directly addressed by continuing education.

The New York Times

This improvement may be provided by continuing education programmes.

Nurse Education Today

By continuing, the show would have to become something different.

The New Yorker

He cherished all by continuing to give beyond his means.

The New York Times

But he meets expectations, too, by continuing to confound them.

The New Yorker

He will fuel it by continuing to founder".

The New York Times

Postwar social dancing was marked by continuing exuberance and enthusiasm.

Britannica

How is that solved by continuing to hold him unjustly?

The New Yorker

One way is by continuing what he has been doing.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by continuing" to clearly indicate that a result or outcome is achieved through the continuation of a specific action or process. It helps establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "by continuing" without explicitly stating the action that is being continued. Ensure that the sentence clearly identifies what is being continued to achieve the intended result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by continuing" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically a prepositional phrase introducing a gerund. It describes the means or method by which an action is performed or a result is achieved. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a perfectly valid construction, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by continuing" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to indicate that an outcome is achieved through the continuation of a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It functions as an adverbial modifier, explaining the means by which something is accomplished. While suitable for various registers, it is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts. To use it effectively, ensure that the action being continued is clearly stated and directly related to the intended result. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately incorporate the phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in continuing to

Adds a slight emphasis on the act of continuing.

through continued action

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action.

with ongoing engagement

Highlights active participation and involvement.

by proceeding further

Highlights the forward movement or progression.

through consistent application

Focuses on the consistent use of something.

by keeping on

More informal, emphasizing persistence.

by relentlessly pursuing

Emphasizes determination and persistence.

through sustained effort

Focuses on the effort required to continue.

via continual practice

Highlights repetition and refinement through practice.

by constant pursuit

Emphasizes the active and persistent nature of the continuation.

FAQs

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

Use "by continuing" to show that an outcome is a direct result of the continuation of a specific action. For example, "You can improve your skills "by continuing to practice"".

What are some alternatives to "by continuing"?

Alternatives include "through continued action", "in continuing to", or "by keeping on". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "by continuing"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Starting a sentence with "by continuing" creates a participial phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier, explaining how something is achieved.

What's the difference between "by continuing" and "if you continue"?

"By continuing" implies an ongoing action that is already happening, while "if you continue" sets up a conditional statement, suggesting a future action that may or may not occur. For example, "Success is possible "by continuing to work hard"" versus "You will succeed "if you continue to work hard"".