by modifying

USAGE SUMMARY

"by modifying" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to indicate the way in which something is changed or adjusted in a sentence. Example: "The meaning of the sentence can be altered by modifying the word order."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Different shapes could be made by modifying the basic geometry.

The New Yorker

Operationally, these perturbations were introduced by modifying the corresponding ODEs.

Nature

The WSRI will begin by modifying current courses.

MIT Technology Review

All long term learning is achieved by modifying this file.

Princeton University

Eliminate this problem by modifying the on-disk inode structure.

Stanford University

Excessive false negatives is fixed by modifying the sensitivity.

Cornell University

Microsoft developed the software by modifying existing systems.

The New York Times - Arts

"Drought can also promote plant invasion indirectly by modifying the environment to favor nonnative species.

The Guardian

But we can resolve at least some of these problems by modifying our hypothesis slightly.

The New Yorker

Some chefs approach summer by modifying dishes they have been serving to make them lighter.

The New York Times

Then they cunningly erased their digital fingerprints by modifying the bank's software.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by modifying", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being modified and what the intended result is. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Ensure that the object being modified is explicitly stated. Avoid sentences like "The system was improved by modifying." Instead, specify: "The system was improved by modifying the user interface."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by modifying" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the means or method by which an action is performed or a result is achieved. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by modifying" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates the method of achieving a change or adaptation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and it appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and academic writing. When employing "by modifying", be sure to clearly state what is being modified to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as ""by adjusting"" or ""through modification"" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by adjusting

Focuses on fine-tuning or calibrating something.

by altering

A general term for making something different.

by adapting

Implies that something is made suitable for a new purpose.

through modification

Emphasizes the process or means of modification rather than the action itself.

via alteration

Suggests a more formal or technical adjustment.

through adaptation

Highlights the process of conforming to new conditions.

by revising

Implies a more thorough or formal review and correction.

with changes to

Highlights the action of change in something

by tweaking

Suggests small, often experimental, adjustments.

by transforming

Suggests a more significant or fundamental change.

FAQs

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

Use "by modifying" to describe how a change is made to something. For example, "You can improve performance "by modifying the code"."

What are some alternatives to "by modifying"?

Some alternatives include "by adjusting", "by altering", or "through modification", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "by modifying" or "through modification"?

Both "by modifying" and "through modification" are grammatically correct, but "by modifying" often sounds more direct and active. "Through modification" emphasizes the process itself.

Can I start a sentence with "by modifying"?

Yes, you can start a sentence with "by modifying", particularly to emphasize the method of achieving a result. For example, "By modifying the settings, you can customize the application to suit your needs."