by mentioning

USAGE SUMMARY

"by mentioning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when mentioning something that someone else has done or said, either in a direct quotation or in indirect discourse. For example: "The speaker highlighted the importance of inclusivity by mentioning how students from different backgrounds can learn from each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

I've probably opened a can of worms by mentioning three.

The New York Times - Sports

I gave a hint by mentioning the JVM above.

The Guardian

You like to open your classes by mentioning your three favorite materials.

Princeton University

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

You can also bring in other people you think might be interested by mentioning them.

Cornell University

Trump responds to Hillary Clinton's insult by mentioning the deleted emails.

The Washington Post

TR: You started by mentioning you weren't very good at predicting the future.

MIT Technology Review

Hammering the point, over and over — but not just by mentioning the issues at rallies.

The Washington Post

Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn started by mentioning Holocaust Memorial Day and condemning antisemitism and racism.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by mentioning", ensure the mentioned item is relevant and adds value to the overall message. Avoid trivial or irrelevant mentions that could distract the reader.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "by mentioning". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony. For example, replace some instances with phrases like "in reference to" or "as noted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by mentioning" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, indicating the means by which an action is performed. As evidenced by Ludwig, it highlights a specific detail or fact that someone brings to attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by mentioning" is a versatile phrase functioning as a prepositional modifier, predominantly used to introduce relevant details or facts to support a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. It finds frequent use in news, academic, and scientific domains, reflecting a register ranging from neutral to formal. Related phrases include "by stating", "by indicating", and "by referencing", each adding subtle nuances. To use "by mentioning" effectively, ensure it adds clear value to your writing and avoid overuse to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by stating

Focuses on the act of formally declaring something, differing in its emphasis on the formality of the communication.

by indicating

Emphasizes pointing something out, often subtly, which shifts the focus from direct utterance to a more suggestive approach.

by noting

Highlights the act of making a remark or observation, suggesting a level of attention to detail that "by mentioning" might not convey.

by referencing

Implies a more deliberate and specific connection to a source or idea, adding a layer of intentional citation.

by citing

Suggests formally quoting or alluding to an authority or source, making it more appropriate in academic or legal contexts.

by alluding to

Involves making an indirect reference, which can be more subtle or suggestive than a direct mention.

by pointing out

Focuses on drawing attention to a specific detail or fact, making it more direct and explanatory.

by bringing up

Implies introducing a topic into a conversation, which can sometimes be unexpected or less formal.

by touching on

Suggests briefly addressing a topic without going into extensive detail, indicating a lighter treatment.

by remarking

Highlights the act of making a comment or observation, often in a casual or conversational setting.

FAQs

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

Use "by mentioning" to introduce a detail or fact that someone has brought up, like "The speaker addressed the budget issues "by mentioning" the need for cuts".

What are some alternatives to "by mentioning"?

You can use alternatives like "by stating", "by indicating", or "by noting" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "by mentioning" and "by referencing"?

"By mentioning" generally refers to a simple act of bringing something up. "By referencing" implies a more deliberate connection to a source or idea.

When is it appropriate to use "by mentioning" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when you need to introduce a specific detail or fact as evidence or support. Ensure the mention is relevant and contributes to the overall argument.