by distracting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by distracting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action that diverts attention from something else. Example: "She managed to complete her work by distracting her colleagues with jokes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Distraction condition required participants to regulate their emotional state by distracting themselves from the presented audio situations.

Nature

The following examples from hypothetical experiments, purposely uncomplicated by distracting detail, illustrate each.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And perhaps all of them work, to some degree, simply by distracting people.

The New York Times

They're the tablet that destroyed an entire company by distracting it from the future.

The Guardian - Tech

But these piercingly effective moments are diluted by distracting stage business and props.

The Guardian

Boseman saves this biopic by distracting the eye from its larger faults.

The Guardian - Film

The agency's director, Joan Heybruck, also said the sculpture posed a safety hazard by distracting drivers.

The New York Times

Among other things, it was thought it would cause accidents by distracting passing motorists.

The Guardian - Arts

So you deal with it as much as possible by distracting yourself.

The New York Times

Typically, city officials say that the twirlers not only pose a traffic hazard by distracting drivers, but also create blight.

The New York Times

Unlike TV or streaming video, many studies show that music can benefit a workout by distracting people from fatigue and elevating mood.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by distracting", ensure that the subject being distracted and the object used for distraction are clearly defined for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "by distracting" without specifying what is being distracted from. Be explicit to prevent confusion. For example, instead of 'He succeeded by distracting', specify 'He succeeded by distracting the guard with a loud noise'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by distracting" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes how an action is performed, indicating the method used to achieve a result. Ludwig's examples showcase its role in explaining the means of diverting attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

22%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science & Research

10%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by distracting" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the action of diverting attention as a means to achieve a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and general contexts, indicating a neutral register. To ensure clarity, specify what is being distracted from and what is causing the distraction. Alternatives like "through diversion" or "by diverting attention" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by diverting attention

Explicitly states the act of diverting attention, adding clarity.

through diversion

Replaces "by" with "through", emphasizing the method rather than the action.

by drawing attention away

Focuses on the act of pulling attention from something else.

via a distraction

Uses "via" to indicate the means of distraction.

by causing a distraction

Focuses on the creation of the distraction itself.

by creating a diversion

Similar to 'causing a distraction' but focuses on the act of creation.

through the use of distraction

Formal and emphasizes the 'use' of distraction as a technique.

by way of distraction

A more formal way of saying "by distracting", indicating the means.

with a diversion

Shifts the focus to the diversion itself as the instrument.

using distraction techniques

Highlights the application of specific methods to distract.

FAQs

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

Use "by distracting" to explain how someone diverts attention to achieve a goal or change a situation. For example, "The magician performed the trick "by distracting the audience" with flashy lights".

What are some alternatives to saying "by distracting"?

You can use alternatives like "through diversion", "via a distraction", or "by diverting attention" to vary your writing.

Is it always clear what is being distracted from when using "by distracting"?

No, it's crucial to ensure clarity by specifying what or whom is being distracted and what they are being distracted by. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

In what contexts is "by distracting" most commonly used?

"By distracting" is commonly used in news, academic, and scientific contexts to describe strategies for diverting attention from something, whether it's physical pain, emotional distress, or a task at hand.