by locating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by locating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of finding or identifying a specific place or position. Example: "The team improved efficiency by locating the source of the problem quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They began by locating our humanity outside of our biological selves, in language, culture and science.

The New York Times - Science

Start the installation by locating all the wall studs with a stud finder.

The New York Times

But rather than finding the eyes first, the system finds the eyes by locating the nose.

The New York Times - Tech

Hundreds of other corporations reap similar savings by locating offices in Delaware.

The New York Times

By locating their servers at exchanges or in adjacent data centres traders can maximise speed.

The Economist

But he accomplished this feat by locating the metaphysical dimension within the "lowly" physical realm of industrial materials and methods.

The New York Times - Arts

In the first instance harm should be avoided, for instance by locating development at a different site.

The Guardian

Fay has invigorated this didactic play by locating it within a satirical American landscape, punctuated by an immense US flag.

The Guardian

Each group should begin by locating on a world map the city and country from which the ship was launched.

The New York Times

First, by locating likely voters with greater accuracy, it enables campaigns to spend their dollars more wisely and efficiently.

The New York Times - Magazine

The book challenged earlier European narratives by locating the pioneers of nationalism in 18th-century Latin America.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by locating" to clearly indicate that finding something is the method or means to achieve a specific outcome. For example, "The company improved efficiency by locating its offices closer to transportation hubs."

Common error

Avoid using "by locating" when a simpler term like "finding" is more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex. For example, instead of saying "I solved the problem by locating the error", simply say "I solved the problem by finding the error."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by locating" functions as a prepositional phrase, specifically an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the means or method through which an action is accomplished. It explains how something is done, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by locating" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that functions adverbially to explain how an action is performed. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples indicates its prevalence in science, news, and online informational contexts, making it suitable for neutral to formal registers. While "by locating" is generally acceptable, it's best practice to ensure it provides meaningful clarification, avoiding overuse in scenarios where simpler alternatives like "by finding" would suffice. Its strong presence across diverse sources validates its effectiveness in conveying precise methodologies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through identifying

Emphasizes the process of identification as the means to achieve a result.

by identifying

Similar to "by locating", but focuses on the act of recognizing or establishing something.

via identifying

Formal alternative, stressing the means or intermediary of the action.

by finding

A simpler and more direct alternative, focusing on the act of discovery.

through pinpointing

Highlights the accuracy and precision in finding something.

by determining

Focuses on establishing something definitively after investigation.

by detecting

Emphasizes the discovery of something that might be hidden or difficult to find.

by tracking down

Suggests a more involved and persistent effort to find something.

in situating

Focuses on placing something within a specific context.

by ascertaining

Highlights the effort to find something out for certain.

FAQs

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

Use "by locating" to indicate that a specific action or result is achieved through the process of finding or identifying something. For example, "The researchers made a significant discovery "by locating" a new gene sequence."

What are some alternatives to "by locating"?

You can use alternatives such as "through identifying", "by finding", or "via identifying" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "by locating" and "by finding"?

While similar, "by locating" often implies a more deliberate or specific search. "By finding" is a more general term for discovering something, whereas ""by locating"" suggests pinpointing something's exact position or source.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "by locating"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "by locating" if it introduces a gerund phrase that acts as an adverbial modifier, explaining how something is done. For example, "By locating the nearest hospital, they were able to get immediate medical assistance."