by phone

USAGE SUMMARY

'by phone' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to denote the method by which something is done or discussed, typically when discussing communication with someone. For example, "I discussed the project with my supervisor by phone yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Rheumatology was available by phone.

The New York Times

Available by phone.

The New York Times

Anything confidential was never mentioned by phone.

The New Yorker

Spoke to Director Mueller by phone.

The Economist

At Nasdaq, trades were done by phone.

The New York Times

Later, Brown kept in touch by phone.

The New York Times - Sports

He decided to do it by phone.

The New Yorker

"I'll comply," he said by phone.

The New York Times - Sports

The media, corrupted by phone hacking.

The Economist

Nine were visited or reached by phone.

The New York Times

Schools closed, unless opened by phone call.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating how communication occurred, use "by phone" to clearly and concisely state that a telephone was the method used. This is suitable for various contexts, from formal reports to casual conversations.

Common error

Avoid using prepositions like "on" or "over" interchangeably with "by phone" when indicating the means of communication. While "over the phone" is acceptable, "on phone" is grammatically incorrect and can cause confusion. Stick to "by phone" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by phone" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the means by which an action is performed. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its role in specifying communication methods. It clarifies how something was done, such as speaking, contacting, or conducting business.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Cover Letter

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by phone" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that specifies the means of communication. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, it's appropriate in various settings, from formal business correspondence to casual conversations. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct, making it a reliable choice for conveying how an action was performed. While alternatives exist, such as "over the phone" or "via telephone", "by phone" remains a clear and concise option. Remember to use it accurately to avoid confusion with similar phrases like "on the phone". With its widespread usage across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist, mastering the usage of "by phone" is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over the phone

This alternative emphasizes the medium of communication, focusing on the telephone connection.

via telephone

A slightly more formal way of saying "by phone", highlighting the use of a telephone.

through a phone call

This explicitly states the use of a phone call as the means of communication.

on the telephone

Similar to "over the phone", but can imply a more traditional landline context.

using a telephone

Highlights the action of utilizing a telephone for communication.

by means of a phone

A more verbose and formal alternative, emphasizing the method of communication.

telephonically

A less common, more technical term for communicating by telephone.

via mobile

Specifies communication through a mobile phone or cell phone.

through mobile communication

Emphasizes the mobile aspect of the communication method.

by cellphone

Explicitly indicates that a cellphone was the means of communication.

FAQs

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

You can use "by phone" to describe how a conversation, meeting, or other form of communication took place. For example, "I scheduled an interview "over the phone"" or "The manager contacted me "through a phone call"".

What are some alternatives to saying "by phone"?

Alternatives include ""over the phone"", "via telephone", or ""through a phone call"". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "on the phone" instead of "by phone"?

While "on the phone" is a common phrase, it usually refers to the state of currently talking on a phone. "By phone" specifies the method of communication. They are not always interchangeable.

What's the difference between "by phone" and "via phone"?

"By phone" is the more common and natural-sounding phrase. "Via phone" is grammatically correct, but less frequently used. Both indicate the use of a telephone for communication, but "by phone" is generally preferred.