by making

USAGE SUMMARY

"by making" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of doing something in order to achieve an outcome. For example: "I improved my grades by making a study plan and sticking to it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By making silly bets.

Independent

I can do that by making plays".

The New York Times - Sports

By making divorce harder to obtain?

The Economist

He obliges by making many absurd statements.

The Economist

Start by making the caramelized onions.

The New York Times - Magazine

So they competed by making institutions better.

The Economist

"I wanted him close by making suggestions".

The New York Times - Sports

By making agricultural success stories!

The Guardian

"I learned by making mistakes.

The New York Times

You're competing by making burgers.

The Guardian - Tech

Start by making the pastry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by making", ensure that the action following "making" directly leads to the intended outcome. Clarity in cause and effect is crucial for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "by making" when the connection between the action and the result is vague or indirect. Ensure a clear and logical relationship between the process and the outcome; otherwise, rephrase to clarify the link.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by making" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the means or method through which something is accomplished. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it introduces the action that leads to a particular outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by making" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the method or action through which a particular result is achieved. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and effective in various writing contexts. The analysis shows its prevalence in news, wiki, and scientific sources, indicating a broad applicability across different domains. When using "by making", ensure the action following "making" directly and clearly leads to the intended outcome. For scenarios demanding alternatives, options like "through making" or "via making" can be suitable substitutes, depending on the nuances you wish to convey. Overall, "by making" remains a reliable choice for expressing cause-and-effect relationships in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by creating

Direct synonym, focusing on creation rather than general 'making'.

through making

Replaces "by" with "through", slightly changing the emphasis but maintaining the core meaning.

via making

Substitutes "by" with "via", indicating a means or route.

by producing

Similar to 'creating' but often implies a more formal or industrial context.

by the act of making

Adds emphasis on the action itself, making the phrase more formal.

through the process of making

Highlights the process involved in the action.

by formulating

Emphasizes the planning and development aspect of 'making', suitable for abstract or complex processes.

in the process of making

Focuses on being in the middle of the action, rather than the action as a means.

by virtue of making

Indicates that the result is a consequence of the making.

by undertaking the making of

Adds formality and emphasizes the commitment to the making.

FAQs

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

Use "by making" to describe how an action achieves a specific result. For example, "You can improve your health "by making" dietary changes".

What are some alternatives to "by making"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "through making", "via making", or "by creating".

Is there a more formal way to say "by making"?

Yes, phrases such as "by the act of making" or "through the process of making" offer a more formal tone than simply "by making".

When is it best to avoid using "by making"?

Avoid using "by making" when the connection between the action and the result is unclear. In such cases, try to use stronger verbs that directly show the cause-and-effect relationship.