by mention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by mention" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward in many contexts.
It could be used when referring to something that is indicated or referenced in conversation or text, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "The author clarified the concept by mention of previous studies in the field."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Real passion was prompted by mention of Turkey.

The Economist

A disgruntled player would ring up SCAM and, by the by, mention his disgruntlement.

The Guardian - Sport

Rushdie, whose general good humour is tested by mention of the article, says, "A name is just a name.

The Guardian - Books

They study Clare's references to painting lessons with an Italian named Frederica, followed by mention of a period of illness.

The New York Times

(Not even does she dignify by mention that pretty little jam she got into with her mother, at the time of the kidnapping episode).

The New Yorker

Diatribes about Western imperialism are followed by mention of a "party to celebrate the wedding anniversary of Princess Margaret and Tony...

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

As our lunch came to an end, a passer-by mentioned that the police had arrived.

The Guardian

We began by mentioning problems, and there are a few.

The New York Times

I gave a hint by mentioning the JVM above.

The Guardian

Get on their good side by mentioning Rockabilly musician Buddy Knox.

The Guardian - Travel

Barack Obama surprises theatre community by mentioning Macbeth by name in Ford's Theatre rededication, surprises no one by mentioning Abraham Lincoln repeatedly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common and direct alternatives such as "by reference" or "by citing" for clarity and conciseness. "By mention" can sometimes sound awkward or less formal.

Common error

Avoid relying on "by mention" in formal or academic writing where precision is key. Opt for stronger verbs like "referring to", "citing", or "alluding to" for a more impactful and clear expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by mention" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, often indicating the manner in which something is brought to attention. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in specifying how a topic is introduced or referenced within a text or conversation. It shows up to be mostly employed in the science related publications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by mention" serves to indicate a brief or indirect reference to something. While grammatically sound, it may not always be the most impactful choice, especially in formal writing. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it can be a valid option in contexts like news and general discourse. More direct alternatives such as "by reference", "by citing", or "by alluding to" may offer greater clarity and precision depending on the situation. Ultimately, consider your audience and the level of formality required when deciding whether to use the phrase "by mention".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by reference to

Replaces 'mention' with a more formal term 'reference', implying a more structured or explicit connection.

by citing

Suggests a specific and documented reference, suitable for academic or formal contexts.

by alluding to

Emphasizes an indirect or suggestive reference, rather than a direct statement.

with regard to

Highlights a specific focus or topic being addressed, similar to 'in connection with'.

in connection with

Indicates an association or relationship to something, often broader than a direct mention.

in relation to

Implies a comparison or positioning relative to something else, adding a comparative aspect.

concerning

Offers a more concise way to indicate the subject or topic being mentioned.

regarding

Similar to 'concerning', providing a brief and direct way to introduce a topic.

in terms of

Focuses on a particular aspect or perspective when making a mention.

with respect to

Suggests a formal and respectful consideration of the topic being mentioned.

FAQs

What does "by mention" mean?

"By mention" means to refer to something briefly or indirectly. It suggests that something is brought up in passing, without extensive detail or focus.

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

You can use "by mention" to indicate that something was referred to in passing, for example, "The issue was clarified "by reference to" previous studies in the field."

What can I say instead of "by mention"?

You can use alternatives like "by reference", "by citing", or "by alluding to" depending on the context.

Is "by mention" formal or informal?

"By mention" is considered relatively neutral, but may sound slightly less formal or less precise than alternatives like "by reference" or "by citing", which are generally preferred in formal writing.