by indulgence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by indulgence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is done with permission or tolerance, often in a context where one is allowed to do something that might not typically be accepted. Example: "The project was completed by indulgence, as the team was given extra time to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

You're incapacitated by indulgence.

Independent

His health, however, undermined by a ceaseless round of political and financial business, of fashionable life and dissipation, was giving way and was further injured by indulgence in quack medicines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Working through the back catalogue and the biographies, though, I warmed to his presiding genius, and to the silvery editing that causes his films to whisk along, unburdened by indulgence.

The New Yorker

Working through the back catalogue and the biographies, though, I warmed to his presiding genius, and to the silvery editing that causes his films to whisk along, unburdened by indulgence... View Article Anthony Lane has been a film critic for The New Yorker since 1993.

The New Yorker

Guilt and shame are prominent constituents of the Metaphysical Hangover, and will certainly be sharpened by indulgence on such an occasion.

Forbes

There may be other less tangible factors as exemplified by one of our younger patients who reported with AF after a week of overwork followed by indulgence of excessive alcohol over the weekend [ 9].

Clinical Research in Cardiology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Mr. Mustonen's gifts, however, are often sabotaged by self-indulgence.

The New York Times - Arts

As Mr. Caliban has shown in his previous work, he is a venturesome playwright and director, but "Famine Plays" is marred by self-indulgence.

The New York Times

Likewise, alcoholism is associated with but not usually caused (in men, at least) by depression, and alcoholism is associated with but not caused by self-indulgence, poverty, or neglect in childhood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then came last year's Blueberry Boat, an overlong opus blown up to gout-like proportions by techno rhythms and gluttonous power chords; their story-telling prowess murdered by self-indulgence.

The Guardian - Music

In many ways, the book is a mirror of Mr. Clinton's presidency: lack of discipline leading to squandered opportunities; high expectations, undermined by self-indulgence and scattered concentration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by indulgence", ensure the context clearly indicates who is granting the permission or showing the tolerance.

Common error

Avoid using "by indulgence" when referring to actions that are inherently rights or entitlements. Indulgence implies a degree of leniency or permission that isn't necessary for things one is already entitled to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by indulgence" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate that an action or state is permitted or tolerated, often with a sense of leniency or special allowance. This is consistent with Ludwig's analysis that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by indulgence" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to express that an action is permitted with leniency or tolerance. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable. While not extremely common, it appears primarily in news and media, encyclopedias and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates who is granting the permission or showing the tolerance, and avoid using it when referring to actions that are inherently rights or entitlements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

With indulgence

This alternative is very similar but places the emphasis on the action receiving the indulgence rather than the act of providing it.

With permission

This alternative is more direct and emphasizes the act of granting approval.

By allowance

This alternative emphasizes the act of permitting something, often with a sense of concession.

Through leniency

This alternative highlights the tolerant and forgiving nature of the permission granted.

By grace

This alternative implies a more benevolent or unmerited form of permission.

By special dispensation

This alternative emphasizes that the permission is an exception to the norm.

Allowed by exception

This phrase clarifies that the act is not generally permitted, but is allowed in a specific instance.

Under tolerance

This alternative focuses on the acceptance of something that might otherwise be objectionable.

Condoned by authority

This implies the action is tacitly approved despite potentially violating regulations.

Given free rein

This suggests a broad scope of freedom and allowance in carrying out an action.

FAQs

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

You can use "by indulgence" to indicate that something is done with special permission or tolerance, especially when it deviates from the norm. For instance, "The project was completed "by indulgence", as the team was granted extra time."

What are some alternatives to "by indulgence"?

Alternatives include "with permission", "by allowance", or "through leniency", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "with indulgence" or "by indulgence"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "by indulgence" emphasizes the process or action being permitted, while "with indulgence" typically describes the manner in which something is done. The better choice depends on the specific context.

Can "by indulgence" have negative connotations?

Yes, "by indulgence" can sometimes imply that something is being allowed despite being potentially inappropriate or excessive. This depends heavily on the context and the specific situation being described.