by instigating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by instigating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of provoking or inciting a particular action or event. Example: "The group was accused of causing unrest by instigating protests in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

One way is by instigating demonstrations".

The New York Times

For this, Afghānī revenged himself by instigating the shah's murder in 1896.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Our aim is to mix it up a bit by instigating collaborations that make sense and probably some that don't".

The Guardian - Music

By instigating rifts among members, Schafer sabotaged the committee's efforts to raise money for a defense lawyer.

The New Yorker

Instead, the Treasury and the housing finance agency depleted the companies' assets by instigating the profit sweep.

The New York Times

This definitive indigenous victory essentially sealed the fate of the tribes by instigating such shock and horror among American citizens that they demanded unequivocal revenge.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Think of it as a sort of Turing Test for love that is completely controlled by the instigating party.

TechCrunch

Spain had just joined FameLab, an international competition of short, humorous science monologues by researchers, instigated by the Cheltenham Science Festival in the United Kingdom.

Science Magazine

The result was a systematic erosion of governmental control by the Prime Minister, instigated by the president.

Huffington Post

"Chiavi in Mano" was commissioned by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, a project instigated by the pianist Robert Levin.

The New York Times - Arts

It wasn't instigated by him.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by instigating" when you want to emphasize the role of someone or something in initiating a particular action or event, especially when it involves setting something in motion or stirring up activity.

Common error

While versatile, "by instigating" can sometimes sound overly formal. In casual contexts, consider simpler alternatives like "by starting" or "by causing" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by instigating" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the means or method by which an action is brought about. As Ludwig highlights, it describes the act of provoking or inciting a specific action or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by instigating" is a prevalent prepositional phrase used to describe the act of initiating or provoking an action, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and versatile, finding frequent application in news, encyclopedias and scientific writing. While the phrase is generally considered neutral in tone, simpler alternatives might be more suitable in informal contexts. The analyzed data shows that "by instigating" is most often used in "News & Media", encyclopedias, and science publications to establish a causal relationship between events. Remember to use "by instigating" to highlight the act of setting something in motion, but also be mindful of the tone and register appropriate for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by provoking

Focuses on causing a reaction, potentially negative.

by initiating

Implies a formal start or beginning of something.

by triggering

Suggests a rapid or sudden start, often of a negative event.

by fomenting

Implies stirring up discord or trouble.

by inciting

Suggests urging or encouraging someone to act, potentially violently.

through the instigation of

More formal and emphasizes the act of instigating.

by spurring

Suggests encouraging rapid development or growth.

by setting off

Implies causing a chain reaction or explosion.

by kindling

Implies starting a fire or a passionate emotion.

by generating

Focuses on creating or producing something, such as interest or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "by instigating" to show how something starts or causes an action. For example: "The company increased sales by instigating a new marketing campaign."

What are some alternatives to "by instigating"?

You can use alternatives like "by provoking", "by initiating", or "by triggering" depending on the context.

Is "by instigating" formal or informal?

"By instigating" is generally considered neutral to formal. Simpler alternatives might be more suitable for very informal contexts.

What's the difference between "by instigating" and "by causing"?

"By instigating" implies a more active role in initiating an event or process, while "by causing" simply indicates a direct relationship between an action and its result.