by intuition

USAGE SUMMARY

"by intuition" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe making decisions or conclusions based on gut feelings or instinct. For example: "I chose the correct answer on the exam by intuition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have always moved by intuition alone.

The Guardian - Books

Are You Being Tricked by Intuition?

Harvard Business Review

Test Yourself: Are You Being Tricked by Intuition?

Harvard Business Review

They were sparked by intuition, not analytic rigor.

The New York Times

Here I learn by intuition, and I think the style is more raw, straightforward".

The New York Times

The park trails are now used mostly by seasoned hikers guided by intuition.

The New York Times

By "intuition", he feels that now is a time when people might listen, he says.

The Guardian

Ultimate truth is beyond word and thought and can be positively grasped only by intuition.

Britannica

Nanda, V. & Koder, R. Designing artificial enzymes by intuition and computation.

Nature

And in this case, the science is backed up by intuition.

The Guardian

On this issue, Americans seem by intuition to be flaming lefties.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by intuition" when you want to emphasize that a decision or understanding was reached through instinct rather than logical reasoning or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "by intuition" when referring to mere guesswork or uninformed speculation. Intuition, while not based on explicit reasoning, often stems from accumulated experience and subconscious processing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by intuition" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which an action is performed or a decision is made. It specifies that the action or decision is guided by instinct or a non-conscious understanding, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by intuition" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that signifies making decisions or understanding concepts based on instinct or gut feeling rather than conscious reasoning. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's common across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While it indicates a non-rational approach, using alternatives such as "by gut feeling" or "instinctively" can refine the nuance. It's important to differentiate intuition from mere guesswork and to recognize its value as a complement, not a replacement, for analytical thinking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by gut feeling

Replaces 'intuition' with 'gut feeling', emphasizing an instinctive, emotional sense.

instinctively

Conveys acting on instinct without conscious thought.

by instinct

Similar to 'by intuition' but emphasizes inherent or innate behavior.

on a hunch

Suggests acting on a suspicion or guess.

intuitively

Adverbial form emphasizing acting based on intuition.

by a sense

Implies a feeling or perception that guides action.

by inner sense

Emphasizes a personal, internal feeling guiding decisions.

by feeling

A general phrase for acting according to emotions or senses.

based on instinct

Rephrases the concept to focus on instinct as the foundation.

through insight

Implies a deeper understanding that isn't necessarily based on logic.

FAQs

What does "by intuition" mean?

The phrase "by intuition" refers to understanding or knowing something without conscious reasoning. It implies relying on instinct or a gut feeling.

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

You can say, "She made the decision "by intuition", trusting her gut feeling about the project." or "The detective solved the case "by intuition", piecing together subtle clues others missed."

What are some alternatives to saying "by intuition"?

Some alternatives include "by gut feeling", "instinctively", or "by instinct". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always reliable to make decisions "by intuition"?

While intuition can be valuable, it's not always reliable. It's often best to combine intuition with careful analysis and reasoning, especially for critical decisions. Relying solely "by intuition" can sometimes lead to errors or biases.