by my count

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'by my count' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to an estimate or calculation you have made. For example, "By my count, there are twelve people in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By my count, there were 11 questions.

The New York Times

All five, by my count.

The New York Times - Arts

By my count, Shakespeare uses the "or..

The New York Times - Books

But by my count, precious few others.

The New York Times - Arts

(By my count there are eight).

The New York Times - Books

"Masurca Fogo" ended, by my count, three times.

The New Yorker

So did Spain (a half dozen times, by my count).

The New York Times

By my count, there were 13 such players before James.

The New York Times

Steve Almond: By my count, your husband has struck out.

The New York Times - Style

Photographer Dan had around 15, by my count.

The Guardian - Travel

By my count, it encompasses 1,137 patents.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by my count" to indicate a numerical estimate you've personally made, especially when you want to convey a sense of direct observation or assessment. It adds a personal touch and suggests you've taken the time to evaluate the quantity.

Common error

Avoid using "by my count" when you're citing someone else's calculation or a publicly available statistic. This phrase implies a personal reckoning, so it's inaccurate to use it for figures you haven't personally determined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by my count" functions as a disclaimer or introducer to a numerical statement, indicating that the speaker or writer has personally estimated or calculated the quantity mentioned. It suggests a direct, often informal, assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

10%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by my count" is a phrase used to introduce a number that the speaker or writer has personally estimated or calculated. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. While appropriate in various contexts, it is especially common in news and media. When writing, remember to use "by my count" to express your calculations, and don't use it when reporting official data. Alternatives like "according to my calculations" and "in my estimation" can provide a more formal tone if needed. It's also important to avoid using the phrase when you're attributing the count to another source. With its widespread presence in reputable publications and its simple, direct meaning, "by my count" is a useful expression for conveying personal estimates.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if I've counted correctly

Directly addresses the possibility of error in the counting process.

according to my calculations

Focuses on the act of calculating, implying a more formal or precise estimation than a simple count.

based on my assessment

Stresses that the number is not a mere guess, but the result of evaluation and judgement.

in my estimation

Emphasizes a personal judgment or approximation rather than a precise calculation.

from my reckoning

Highlights a personal assessment or judgment, often based on available information.

as far as I can tell

Implies a count or estimation based on the speaker's observation or understanding.

from what I gather

Highlights that the count/estimation is derived indirectly from different sources of information and assembled together.

if I'm not mistaken

Introduces a degree of uncertainty, suggesting the speaker is reasonably sure but not entirely confident in their count.

my understanding is that

More formal and indirect way to express a personal count or estimation.

to my understanding

Highlights that the number is derived from speaker's personal knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "by my count" in a sentence?

You can use "by my count" to introduce a numerical estimate or total that you have personally calculated. For example, "By my count, there are 25 students in the class today".

What phrases are similar to "by my count"?

Similar phrases include "according to my calculations", "in my estimation", or "from my reckoning", which all suggest a personal assessment or calculation.

Is it appropriate to use "by my count" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "by my count" is more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise language such as "according to my analysis" or "based on my calculations".

When should I avoid using the phrase "by my count"?

Avoid using "by my count" when presenting official statistics or data from a source other than your own personal estimation. It is best used when you've made the calculation yourself and want to convey that it's your own assessment.