by harnessing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'by harnessing' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to mean taking advantage of something in order to achieve a desired outcome. For example: "We were able to reduce our energy costs by harnessing solar power."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"By harnessing that strength, we can compete with America".

The New York Times

The cylindrical turbine generates electricity by harnessing the vibration caused by the wind.

The Guardian

By harnessing people's genuine interest in political issues, we can reinvigorate our broken politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rather they aim to treat the disease by harnessing the patient's own immune system.

The New York Times

This was accomplished by harnessing broken windows policing to an innovative management system called Compstat.

The New York Times

Obama had won in part by harnessing the enthusiasm of young people.

The New Yorker

Wave power, electrical energy generated by harnessing the up-and-down motion of ocean waves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mission: To defeat a mystery evil force by harnessing powers hidden in the mystical Goddess Sword.

Independent

Repairing the body by harnessing its own repair mechanisms -- stem cells and signaling proteins -- to renew damaged tissues and organs.

The New York Times - Science

"We're going to do this by harnessing the incredible data collected by our National Health Service," he said.

The Guardian

By harnessing the energy of its new industries, perhaps Baoding will not keep its unwanted new title for long.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by harnessing", ensure that the resource or ability being harnessed is clearly identified to provide context and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "by harnessing" when the subject does not actively utilize the resource. "Harnessing" implies active control and direction; passive benefit requires a different phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by harnessing" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to describe the method or means by which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by harnessing" is a versatile and grammatically correct construction used to describe the effective utilization of a resource or ability to achieve a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common expression found across various domains, including news, science, and formal writing. While versatile, ensure you accurately represent active control and direction in the action. Consider also options such as "by utilizing" or "by leveraging", to make your writing more precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by utilizing

Replaces "harnessing" with a more general term for using something effectively.

by leveraging

Similar to "harnessing", but often implies using something to gain a strategic advantage.

by capitalizing on

Suggests taking advantage of an opportunity or resource.

through the use of

A more formal way of indicating the means by which something is accomplished.

by making use of

A straightforward alternative to "harnessing", emphasizing the act of using something.

by employing

Similar to "utilizing" but can also refer to putting something into service.

by exploiting

Implies using something to its fullest extent, sometimes with a negative connotation.

by drawing on

Suggests using something as a source of support or inspiration.

by tapping into

Implies accessing a resource or potential that was previously unused.

through application of

A more formal and technical way to describe using something.

FAQs

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

You can use "by harnessing" to indicate that something is achieved by effectively utilizing a resource or ability. For instance, "The company increased its profits by harnessing new technologies."

What are some alternatives to "by harnessing"?

Alternatives include "by utilizing", "by leveraging", or "by capitalizing on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "by harnessing" and "by exploiting"?

"By harnessing" typically has a positive connotation, implying skillful use, while "by exploiting" can suggest using something unfairly or to an excessive degree. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

Can "by harnessing" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "by harnessing" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider alternatives like "through the use of" or "through application of" for a more elevated tone in specific contexts.