by mass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by mass" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in scientific or technical contexts to refer to the measurement or comparison of substances based on their mass. Example: "The components of the mixture were combined by mass to ensure accurate proportions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Space is warped by mass.

The New Yorker

America is plagued by mass shootings.

Independent

Sportsmen are being targeted by mass murderers.

The New York Times - Sports

Trace Quantitative Analysis by Mass Spectrometry.

University of California, Berkeley

Elution was analyzed by mass spectrometry.

Nature

DC identified the proteins by mass spectrometry.

Nature

Fragments detected by mass spectrometry are labeled.

Nature

Those proteins were identified by mass spectrometry.

Journal of Immunological Methods

Indepentent performance arts had previously been ignored by mass publications.

The New York Times

Neshat organized hunger strikes by mass e-mail.

The New Yorker

Independent performance arts had previously been ignored by mass media.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing proportions or compositions, use "by mass" to specify that the measurement is based on mass rather than volume or another property. This ensures clarity and precision, especially in scientific and technical writing.

Common error

Avoid using "by weight" interchangeably with "by mass" unless the context explicitly involves gravitational force. While often used similarly in everyday language, mass is a fundamental property of an object, whereas weight is the force exerted on that mass by gravity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by mass" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or adjective, specifying the method of measurement or composition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it indicates that something is determined or expressed in relation to mass, as seen in examples where components are combined or analyzed by mass.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

59%

News & Media

23%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by mass" is a prevalent adverbial phrase, particularly within scientific and technical contexts, used to specify that a measurement or proportion is determined according to mass. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most frequently observed in scientific literature, followed by news and media, and academic sources. For clarity, it’s crucial to distinguish between "by mass" and "by weight", reserving the latter for situations where gravitational force is a key factor. While "by mass" is versatile, alternatives like "in terms of mass" and "based on mass" can add variety. By adhering to best practices and avoiding common errors, such as confusing mass and weight, writers can effectively use "by mass" to convey precise meanings in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by weight

Replaces "mass" with "weight", focusing on the gravitational force acting on the mass.

in terms of mass

Adds a formal tone, emphasizing mass as the defining characteristic.

based on mass

Highlights mass as the foundation for a calculation or comparison.

according to mass

Similar to "based on mass", but suggests adherence to a mass-related standard.

with respect to mass

Indicates a specific focus on mass in a broader analysis or context.

on a mass basis

Implies a normalization or standardization relative to mass.

mass-wise

A more informal alternative to "by mass", used primarily in technical contexts.

as a function of mass

Expresses a mathematical relationship where mass is the independent variable.

mass-related

Describes something that is generally connected to or influenced by mass.

mass-dependent

Highlights that the relationship is specifically dependent on the mass

FAQs

How is "by mass" used in scientific writing?

In scientific writing, "by mass" is used to specify that a measurement or proportion is determined based on the mass of a substance, ensuring accuracy and consistency. For example, stating that a mixture is prepared "by mass" indicates that the components were weighed to achieve the desired ratio, rather than measured by volume.

What is a good alternative to "by mass"?

A suitable alternative to "by mass" is "by weight", especially when discussing proportions or compositions where gravitational force is relevant. However, ensure the context appropriately reflects whether mass or weight is the defining characteristic.

When is it more appropriate to use "by weight" instead of "by mass"?

Use "by weight" when discussing the force of gravity acting on an object, rather than the inherent quantity of matter it contains. This distinction is important in fields like physics and engineering, where the difference between mass and weight can significantly affect calculations and measurements.

What does "mass basis" mean and how is it related to "by mass"?

"Mass basis" implies a normalization or standardization relative to mass, similar to how "by mass" indicates a measurement or proportion determined according to mass. For example, expressing concentrations on a "mass basis" means the amount of a substance is related to the mass of the sample rather than its volume or molarity.