by opportunity

USAGE SUMMARY

"by opportunity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to mean either taking advantage of a particular situation or chance, or to refer to something that one takes advantage of or does in order to make progress. For example, "He saw the job offer by opportunity and decided to apply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

But that's what he became, not by choice (at least in the beginning) but by opportunity.

The New York Times

White men are advantaged by opportunity and culture, not by talent.

Independent

"I'm motivated partly by opportunity," he added, "and partly by fear".

The New York Times

That's why the pictures transmitted by Opportunity, nine years ago, were so startling.

The New Yorker

Man's artistic dominance, he argues, cannot be explained by opportunity or social conditioning.

The Guardian - Books

One story had already been accepted by Opportunity, the premier magazine of "New Negro" writing.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

I live my life on an opportunity-by-opportunity basis, where I don't really know where I'm going; I just enjoy the process of getting there..

The New York Times - Arts

He's been deluged by opportunities in the entertainment industry and broadcasting".

The New York Times - Sports

The growing inequality of recent decades has not been offset by opportunities to rise.

The Guardian - Opinion

While learning these sports, children become exposed to a world defined by opportunities and access.

The New York Times

Or at the least, you learn not to seem fazed by opportunities in the wider world".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by opportunity" when you want to convey that something is achieved or influenced by the circumstances or chances that arise, rather than by a predetermined plan.

Common error

Avoid using "with opportunity" when you mean "by opportunity". "With opportunity" suggests having the chance, while "by opportunity" indicates that the opportunity is the driving force or means.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by opportunity" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the means or circumstances that influence an action or decision. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is indeed correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

31%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by opportunity" is a versatile and frequently used expression, mainly as adverbial modifier, that signifies actions or outcomes influenced by circumstances or chances. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct, used in a variety of contexts with a neutral register. Its frequent appearance in sources like The New York Times, The Guardian and Forbes indicates its wide acceptance. When writing, remember that this prepositional phrase emphasizes adaptability and a responsive approach to arising situations. Be careful not to confuse "by opportunity" with "with opportunity", as they carry different meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through opportune moments

Emphasizes the role of favorable timing and circumstances.

via available means

Highlights the use of accessible resources or methods.

leveraging possibilities

Focuses on actively exploiting potential opportunities.

capitalizing on circumstances

Stresses the act of taking full advantage of the situation.

making the most of chances

Implies utilizing presented opportunities to their fullest extent.

through favorable conditions

Highlights the positive aspects of the enabling environment.

using available avenues

Indicates exploring different paths to achieve a goal.

taking advantage of openings

Focuses on recognizing and exploiting available opportunities.

prompted by circumstance

Highlights that certain actions are influenced by a specific situation.

driven by available options

Highlights that an action is motivated by a set of choices.

FAQs

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

Use "by opportunity" to describe something driven or influenced by available chances or circumstances. For example, "The company's growth was driven "by opportunity" in emerging markets".

What are some alternatives to "by opportunity"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "through opportune moments", "leveraging possibilities", or "capitalizing on circumstances".

Is it correct to say "driven with opportunity"?

It is generally more accurate to say "driven "by opportunity"". The preposition "by" indicates the means or cause, while "with" suggests possession or accompaniment.

What's the nuance between "by opportunity" and "by design"?

"By opportunity" implies actions taken when chances arise, without a specific plan. "By design" means actions are intentional and follow a predetermined plan.