by devotion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by devotion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or feelings that are motivated by a strong commitment or dedication to someone or something. Example: "She achieved her goals by devotion to her craft, spending countless hours perfecting her skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It was a simple life, marked by devotion.

The New York Times

He was a magnificent policeman, by vocation and by devotion".

The Guardian

Her life was characterized by devotion to family and commitment to social justice.

The New York Times

Until now, it has doubtless been held back by devotion to its Windows operating system, which dominated the PC age.

The Economist

Blinded by devotion, she assumed they shared her values: a fidelity to the land, to food sources free of high-fructose corn syrup and artificial food coloring.

The New York Times

Not all of the 2,400 people who lined up over the last two days for autographs were motivated by devotion to Pete Rose.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Sarah Nachshon was driven by personal devotion, by personal relation with her belief, but her actions changed history, and so the moment takes on Biblical dimensions for some".

Vice

Skip to next paragraph Enlarge This Image Illustration by Ellen Lupton DEVOTION A Memoir By Dani Shapiro 245 pp. Harper/HarperCollins Publishers.

The New York Times - Books

I was moved by his devotion, as much as by the poem itself.

The New Yorker

I've been impressed by fans' devotion to the show, and sometimes amused by it.

The New Yorker

His first studies at the University of Basel, supplemented by a stay in Neuchâtel, were dominated by a devotion to Greek.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by devotion" to clearly indicate that a particular action, quality, or outcome is directly caused or strongly influenced by a deep commitment or dedication. For instance, "The success of the project was driven by devotion to quality."

Common error

Avoid using "by devotion" when a more general term like "dedication" or "commitment" would be more appropriate. Overusing "devotion" can make your writing sound overly sentimental or religious when that is not the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by devotion" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the means or cause of an action or state. Ludwig's examples show it describing how something is achieved or characterized. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by devotion" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action, quality, or outcome is motivated by a deep commitment or dedication. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While applicable in various contexts, it is most commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources. When using this phrase, ensure that "devotion" accurately reflects the intensity and personal nature of the commitment. Alternatives like "through dedication" or "out of commitment" may be more suitable for less emotionally charged situations. Therefore, it's crucial to consider both the grammatical correctness and contextual appropriateness when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through dedication

This phrase replaces "devotion" with "dedication", emphasizing the act of committing oneself to something.

out of commitment

This alternative highlights the commitment as the reason or motivation behind an action.

fueled by dedication

This phrase emphasizes that dedication provides the energy and drive for action.

motivated by faith

This alternative focuses on faith as the driving force, implying a strong belief or trust.

inspired by piety

This phrase uses "piety" to denote religious devotion and inspiration.

through unwavering commitment

This phrase emphasizes the steadfastness and persistence of the commitment.

with profound dedication

This alternative stresses the depth and intensity of the dedication.

from a place of worship

This phrase replace "devotion" with "worship", stressing the religious aspect and intensity.

with heartfelt dedication

This alternative highlights the sincere and emotional nature of the dedication.

as a result of fervor

This phrase uses "fervor" to suggest intense passion and enthusiasm as the cause.

FAQs

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

You can use "by devotion" to show that someone's actions or characteristics are driven by a strong commitment or dedication. For example, "Her life was characterized "by devotion" to family and commitment to social justice."

What are some alternatives to saying "by devotion"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "through dedication", "out of commitment", or "fueled by dedication depending" on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "by devotion" formal or informal?

"By devotion" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter. It is suitable when describing religious or deeply personal commitments but may sound overly sentimental in some business or technical contexts.

What is the difference between "by devotion" and "through dedication"?

While both phrases imply a strong commitment, "by devotion" often suggests a more emotional or spiritual connection, while "through dedication" focuses more on the consistent effort and hard work involved. Therefore, "through dedication" is more suitable in formal context.