by gaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by gaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the means or method through which something is achieved or acquired. Example: "She improved her skills by gaining experience through various internships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stanford benefits by gaining access to real-world research problems.

Stanford University

Most interns do benefit — not monetarily, but by gaining experience.

The New York Times

In his second N.F.L. start, Forsey responded by gaining 134 yards on 27 carries.

The New York Times - Sports

Originally a carpet fitter, his academic career began by gaining three sports-related degrees.

The Guardian

The early indications showed no candidate winning election by gaining 50percentt of the vote outright.

The New York Times

Steerpike begins his ascent by gaining the confidence of Groan's disgruntled twin sisters.

The New York Times - Arts

But AOL Time Warner has long sought to simplify that structure by gaining full control.

The New York Times

He was spared the draft to Algeria by gaining entrance to university in Nice.

The Guardian - Books

Team Zimmermann edged Russia 103 imps to 99 by gaining 8 imps on the final deal.

The New York Times

Generally they feel more confident and most will also benefit by gaining some independence".

The Guardian

By gaining greater control of its distribution network, Cadbury could negotiate with retailers directly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by gaining", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being gained and how it contributes to the overall outcome. For example, "The company improved its market share by gaining customer trust through transparent practices."

Common error

Avoid using "by gaining" with an unclear or unspecified result. For instance, instead of saying "He improved by gaining", specify what he gained: "He improved his public speaking by gaining confidence and practicing regularly."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by gaining" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, indicating the means or method through which an action is accomplished. As Ludwig highlights, it effectively shows how something is achieved or acquired. For example, 'Stanford benefits by gaining access to real-world research problems'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by gaining" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe the method of achieving a specific outcome. Ludwig confirms its correctness and applicability in diverse contexts. While "by gaining" appears most frequently in news and media, academic writing, and scientific publications, it maintains a neutral register suitable for varied audiences. To use it effectively, specify what is being gained and how it relates to the end result. Avoid vague usage and consider synonyms like "through acquiring" or "by obtaining" for nuanced expression. This ensures clarity and strengthens your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by acquiring

Very similar to "by gaining", emphasizing the act of acquiring something tangible or intangible.

through acquiring

Emphasizes the process of obtaining something, similar to gaining but with a focus on the steps involved.

via obtaining

Highlights the pathway or means through which something is acquired.

through achieving

Focuses on the accomplishment or attainment of something, implying effort and success.

by securing

Highlights the act of making something safe or certain, often implying effort to protect the acquired asset.

via securing

Similar to "by securing" but puts focus on the mean through which the state of making something safe or certain is achieved.

by developing

Focuses on gradual growth or enhancement, often referring to skills or abilities.

through cultivating

Emphasizes nurturing or fostering something over time to achieve a desired outcome.

by fostering

Highlights the act of promoting the growth or development of something.

through cultivating

Focuses on the continuous effort of helping something to grow.

FAQs

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

Use "by gaining" to describe how someone acquires or achieves something, like in the sentence: "She improved her knowledge "by gaining" experience in the field."

What phrases are similar to "by gaining"?

Alternatives include "through acquiring", "by acquiring", or "through achieving", depending on the specific context.

Is "by gaining" formal or informal?

"By gaining" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "by gaining" and "by obtaining"?

While similar, "by gaining" often implies a more gradual or effortful process, whereas "by obtaining" suggests a more direct acquisition. For example, you might say "by gaining experience" but "by obtaining a license".