by my terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by my terms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to assert that something should be done according to your specific conditions or preferences. Example: "I am willing to negotiate, but it has to be by my terms if we are to reach an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He [new partner] had to promise me that he would abide by my terms and conditions of love using condoms all the time and avoiding pregnancies and any other sexual diseases.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Despite living through multiple so-called bubbles, I started out by clarifying my terms.

Vice

"By taking my term in office beyond the expected period of the article 50 process, this should help contribute to securing an orderly transition to the UK's new relationship with Europe".

The Guardian - Business

"By taking my term in office beyond the expected period of the article 50 process, this should help contribute to securing an orderly transition to the UK's new relationship with Europe," he said.

The Guardian - Business

By my second term, my studies were going well, I had made some great friends and I had a couple of festivals lined up for the summer to look forward to.

Independent

And I hope by my second term, regardless of what the people of Puerto Rico decide about the status option you prefer, you too will be able to vote for the next president of the United States.

The New York Times

Audrey Death, in Umbrella, is a sort of personification of the impact of technology on society over the past century – and her awakening in Friern hospital (formerly Colney Hatch lunatic asylum, latterly a luxury flats development), by my long-term fictional accompanist, psychiatrist Zack Busner, allowed me to investigate a mass of ideas and emotions.

The Guardian - Books

In addition, personal aide costs, not covered by my long term health care policy, were increasing substantially each month as Clare was requiring more daily personal aide time.

Huffington Post

If another planet is discovered tomorrow, I would consider that additional planet to be covered by my initial term "planet" even though I couldn't have known of the additional planet back in 1990.

Huffington Post

I'd never felt constrained by my sexuality, living on my terms and ignoring anyone who might wish less for me; but this was a limit I was placing on myself.

Huffington Post

The dumb money is not my term, by the way; it's how Wall Street refers to individual investors who repeatedly sell stocks at a low price, only to turn around later and buy them for high prices.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by my terms" when you want to clearly and firmly state that something must be done according to your specific requirements. This emphasizes your control and conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "by my terms" in situations that require negotiation and compromise. It can sound inflexible and hinder collaborative efforts. Instead, opt for phrases that suggest mutual agreement and shared goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by my terms" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the manner or conditions under which an action is performed or an agreement is made. It specifies that something must adhere to the speaker's particular stipulations. As Ludwig AI points out, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by my terms" is a prepositional phrase used to assert control and establish specific conditions. While grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI confirms, its use should be carefully considered to avoid sounding overly demanding, especially in collaborative environments. Alternatives such as "on my conditions" or "according to my stipulations" may offer a slightly softer tone. It is most commonly found in news media and scientific contexts, reflecting its use in situations where clearly defined conditions are necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on my conditions

Focuses on the specific requirements or stipulations set by the speaker.

according to my stipulations

Emphasizes the formal and precise nature of the speaker's demands.

under my rules

Highlights the speaker's authority and control over the situation.

based on my criteria

Stresses the standards or benchmarks established by the speaker.

within my framework

Suggests the speaker has a predefined system or structure that must be followed.

subject to my approval

Indicates the speaker's consent is required for the action to proceed.

as I see fit

Highlights the speaker's discretion and autonomy in making decisions.

as per my discretion

Indicates the speaker's freedom to decide or judge.

following my guidelines

Focuses on adhering to the speaker's recommendations and instructions.

in accordance with my wishes

Emphasizes fulfilling the speaker's desires and preferences.

FAQs

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

You can use "by my terms" to express that an agreement or action must adhere to your specific conditions. For example, "I am willing to negotiate, but it has to be by my terms if we are to reach an agreement."

What are some alternatives to "by my terms"?

Alternatives include "on my conditions", "according to my stipulations", or "under my rules". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality desired. See also: "on my conditions", "according to my stipulations".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "by my terms"?

It's appropriate when you want to assert your control and specify the conditions under which you are willing to proceed. Use it judiciously, as it can sometimes sound demanding.

What is the difference between "by my terms" and "on my conditions"?

While similar, "by my terms" can sound slightly more assertive than "on my conditions". Both emphasize the speaker's requirements, but "by my terms" might suggest a stronger stance.