by deciding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by deciding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the action of making a choice or judgment in a particular context. Example: "The team improved their performance by deciding to implement new strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pfaff messed with the plan by deciding not to dive.

The Guardian - Sport

Often this is achieved not so much by deciding what to include in the game, but by deciding what not to include, Mr. Meier said.

The New York Times - Tech

Buffer planning is also considered by deciding if buffers can be inserted successfully for each net.

Integration, the VLSI Journal

or by deciding an issue of first impression whose resolution was not clearly foreshadowed.

Cornell University

You may even distract yourself by deciding which Muppets are which Presidential candidates.

The New Yorker

"The only way you can defeat it is by deciding not to be afraid".

Independent

By deciding to unilaterally leak secret N.S.A. documents, Snowden has betrayed all of these things".

The New York Times

Or you could start by deciding what features matter to you most, before thinking about price.

The New York Times

"Pipelines make money by providing transportation service, not by deciding where the gas goes," he said.

The New York Times

And she seemed to perfectly understand what is at stake by deciding not to prosecute.

Independent

With market-rate units, landlords can kick smokers out simply by deciding not to renew leases.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by deciding" to clearly indicate that an action or outcome is a direct result of a conscious choice. This helps to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "by deciding" excessively in long or convoluted sentences. If the sentence becomes too complex, consider rephrasing to use a simpler structure for better clarity. Instead of saying "The company increased its profits by deciding to invest in new technologies and by deciding to streamline its operations", try "The company increased its profits by investing in new technologies and streamlining its operations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by deciding" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier. It indicates the means or method by which an action is performed or a result is achieved. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by deciding" is a grammatically sound and widely used gerund phrase that indicates a means of achieving a result through a conscious choice. As Ludwig AI states, it is considered correct English. Its frequent appearance in news and media, as well as wiki and scientific sources, demonstrates its versatility and broad applicability. While simple alternatives exist, "by deciding" effectively conveys the direct influence of a decision on an outcome. When writing, be mindful of overusing the phrase in complex sentences, opting for simpler structures when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through decision-making

Changes the grammatical structure to emphasize the process of decision-making.

through the act of choosing

Highlights the action nature of choosing.

in making the choice

Focuses on the act of choosing rather than the decision itself.

by opting for

Specifically refers to selecting an option from a set of choices.

upon making a decision

Replaces the gerund with a more formal prepositional phrase.

on choosing to

Implies a deliberate choice or preference.

as a result of deciding

Emphasizes the consequence of the decision.

in electing to

Suggests a formal or considered selection.

with the determination to

Highlights the resolve behind the action.

in opting to

Focuses on the selection of one option over others.

FAQs

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

"By deciding" introduces a way or method through making a choice. For instance, "The team improved their performance "by deciding" to implement new strategies".

What can I say instead of "by deciding"?

You can use alternatives like "through decision making", "in making the choice", or "as a result of deciding" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "by deciding" and "by making a decision"?

While similar, "by deciding" emphasizes the act of choosing, whereas "by making a decision" highlights the completed decision itself. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize in your writing.

Can "by deciding" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "by deciding" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, for very formal contexts, you might consider alternatives like "upon making a decision" for a slightly more elevated tone.