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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
by not causing
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "by not causing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or effect that is achieved through the absence of a specific cause or action. Example: "The project was successful by not causing any disruptions to the existing workflow."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Wiki
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
5 human-written examples
The doctor is, instead, required to honor the value of life by not causing loss of life (cf. Pettit 1997).
Science
Some microorganisms, which can escape identification by not causing appreciable serologic responses, can localize in the udder and be isolated from milk samples.
Science
First, not showing externalizing behaviours may be a way for daughters of PPD mothers to adjust to the family situation by not causing any extra trouble to their mother.
Intracellular bacteria that are transmitted through the eggs of their hosts are thought to be "prudent replicators" in order to ensure their transmission to future generations by not causing lethality of their host prior to reproduction.
Science
If someone tries to insult you, don't listen to them and be the bigger person by not causing a scene and ignoring the insult.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
By myself, not causing a problem".
News & Media
Cluster headache is classified as a primary headache by definition not caused by an underlying pathology.
Cluster headache (CH) is classified as a primary headache by definition not caused by an underlying pathology.
The Fukushima accident was clearly an accident made by humans and not caused by natural phenomena as was initially thought.
Science
The cause of death was classified either as caused by breast cancer or not caused by breast cancer.
Science
Tendon injuries were only caused when cut by sharp objects, and were not caused by jamming/crushing.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using the phrase "by not causing", ensure that the intended effect is clear and that the sentence structure highlights the preventative action. For example, instead of "The system worked by not causing errors", try "The system's success stems from its ability to avoid errors".
Common error
Avoid using "by not causing" when a more direct, positive action is more appropriate. For instance, rather than saying "The medicine helped by not causing side effects", consider "The medicine helped while minimizing side effects".
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "by not causing" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause, specifying how an action or state is achieved. Ludwig shows that the phrase commonly introduces a condition or means of achieving a desired outcome through the absence of a causing action.
Frequent in
Science
40%
Wiki
20%
News & Media
40%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "by not causing" is a prepositional phrase that clarifies how a result is achieved through the avoidance of a specific action. Although Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct, its frequency is relatively rare. It is suitable for various registers, primarily appearing in science, news, and wiki contexts. Rephrasing with alternatives like "by preventing" or "by avoiding" can enhance clarity depending on the specific intent.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
by preventing
Focuses directly on the act of prevention.
by avoiding
Emphasizes steering clear of situations that might lead to a specific outcome.
through non-initiation
Highlights the lack of a starting action as the reason for the effect.
without triggering
Focuses on not setting off a chain of events.
by abstaining from
Emphasizes a deliberate choice to refrain from an action.
by desisting from
Focuses on ceasing to do something to avoid a result.
through inhibition of
Highlights a more formal or technical term for prevention.
by suppressing
Suggests actively holding back something.
by circumventing
Implies finding a way around something that could cause an issue.
in the absence of
Indicates the lack of a specific factor leads to a particular outcome.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "by not causing" for better clarity?
Consider using alternatives such as "by preventing", "by avoiding", or "through non-initiation" for more direct and clear communication depending on the context.
Is there a more formal way to say "by not causing"?
In formal contexts, phrases like "through the inhibition of" or "in the absence of" can provide a more sophisticated alternative to "by not causing".
What's the difference between "by not causing" and "by preventing"?
"By not causing" emphasizes the lack of initiation of an action, while "by preventing" focuses on actively stopping something from happening. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight inaction or active intervention.
When is it best to use "by not causing" in a sentence?
Use "by not causing" when you want to emphasize that a particular outcome is achieved through the avoidance of a specific action or trigger, rather than through a direct, positive action.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested