by doing

USAGE SUMMARY

"by doing" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a particular action that someone is taking in order to achieve a goal. For example, "He will improve his grades by doing more practice tests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By doing what?

The Economist

Let's prove by doing".

The New Yorker

Q: By doing what?

The New York Times

"You're learning by doing".

The New York Times

"I gain nothing by doing that.

The New York Times

"By doing that, the message is muddled".

The New York Times

The answer: You make meaning by doing.

The New Yorker

He'd do well by doing good.

The New York Times

But it lost nothing by doing so.

The Economist

We win by doing well in Iowa.

The New York Times

The soul happens by doing it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by doing" to clearly specify the method or action that leads to a particular result. For example, 'Improve your writing by doing daily exercises'.

Common error

Avoid using "by doing" if the connection between the action and the result is vague or unclear. Ensure the action directly contributes to the stated outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by doing" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, adjective, or noun, indicating the means or method by which an action is performed or a result is achieved. This is supported by Ludwig's examples showing its use to explain how something is accomplished.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

29%

Science

28%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by doing" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to specify the method or action by which something is accomplished. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific publications. When writing, ensure that the action specified "by doing" is directly connected to the outcome you intend to convey. If aiming for higher formality, consider alternatives like "through action" or "via implementation". By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively use "by doing" to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by performing

Highlights the act of carrying out a specific task.

by engaging in

Highlights active participation in an activity.

by taking action

Emphasizes the initiation of steps toward a goal.

through action

Emphasizes the active process involved, rather than the method.

via implementation

Focuses on the execution or application of something.

through execution

Stresses the enactment or carrying out of a plan.

in the process of

Indicates an ongoing activity that leads to a result.

through practical application

Focuses on applying something in a real-world context.

via active involvement

Focuses on being actively engaged in a process or activity.

by means of action

More formal and emphasizes the method of achieving something.

FAQs

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

"By doing" is used to explain how something is achieved or what action leads to a specific result. For example, "You can improve your health "by doing regular exercise"".

What are some alternatives to using "by doing"?

Alternatives include phrases like "through action", "via implementation", or "by performing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Starting a sentence with "by doing" is grammatically acceptable, especially when emphasizing the method or action. For example, "By doing this, you can achieve better results."

What's the difference between "by doing" and "through doing"?

Both "by doing" and "through doing" are similar, but "by doing" typically emphasizes a more direct or intentional action, while "through doing" can imply a process or experience. For instance, "Learn "by doing"" versus "Gained experience "through doing"."