by phrasing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by phrasing" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts discussing the act of expressing something in words or structuring a statement. Example: "The author improved the clarity of the text by phrasing complex ideas in simpler terms."

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"Quaker Up" was a way of making the brand "more active" by "phrasing it in a way people talk".

The New York Times

Like nearly all definitions, Bell's is really more ostensive than analytic, better achieved by pointing than by phrasing.

The New Yorker

By phrasing the historical discoveries as concerns, the option is somewhat left open to the military on how to alleviate the District's concerns.

Cleanup of Chemical and Explosive Munitions Locating, Identifying Contaminants, and Planning for Environmental Remediation of Land and Sea Military Ranges and Ordnance Dumpsites

We begin by phrasing the causal Bayes nets theory of causality and a range of alternatives in a logical language for relational theories.

Stanford University

Finally, do you make definitive statements (e.g. "You were rude".) without being open to other explanations or perceptions (by phrasing it more openly, such as: "I found your tone harsh, what was going on for you?").

Harvard Business Review

Throughout the concert, Ms. Krall maintained a rhythmic tension by phrasing songs like an acrobat swinging from bar to bar, using consonants to build momentum for the many quick tumbling leaps.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Sentences in the passive voice often include a "by" phrase telling us who performed the action.

Los Angeles Times

But as Mr Pullum is very aware, the by-phrase is optional, and frequently omitted.

The Economist

Bill Burton, a spokesman for Mr. Obama, described the ad as "patently misleading," and campaign officials issued a phrase-by-phrase rebuttal.

The New York Times

Yes, "if you put the by-phrase in", the passive lays the responsibility on the line prominently.

The Economist

Mr. Holloway does a lot by doing a little: don't expect the phrase-by-phrase dynamic and tempo reconsiderations of Gidon Kremer's approach.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by phrasing" to indicate that the specific choice of words is important to the meaning or effect of a statement. For example: "The law was misinterpreted by phrasing the key clause ambiguously."

Common error

Avoid using "by phrasing" in simple sentences where a more direct verb would suffice. Instead of "The message was conveyed by phrasing it carefully", try "The message was conveyed carefully."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by phrasing" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate how an action is performed. As highlighted by Ludwig, it suggests that the manner of wording directly influences the outcome or perception of something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by phrasing" serves to highlight the significant role of word choice in shaping meaning and impact. Ludwig's analysis shows it's grammatically acceptable and common across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While it is considered acceptable, avoid using it in overly simple sentences where more direct language suffices. Instead, "by phrasing" works best when emphasizing that the manner of expression is crucial to understanding the conveyed message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through wording

Focuses on the act of choosing specific words to express something.

in terms of expression

Emphasizes the manner in which something is communicated.

by articulating

Highlights the clarity and precision in expressing something.

via formulation

Stresses the structured or systematic way of presenting something.

by means of wording

Indicates the use of specific words as a tool for communication.

in the wording of

Focuses specifically on the words used in a particular statement or document.

with the expression of

Highlights the act of expressing something, often emphasizing creativity or emotion.

using specific language

Emphasizes the conscious choice of particular words.

through linguistic choices

Highlights the role of language and its various aspects to express something.

by framing it

Focuses on the context and perspective of conveying information.

FAQs

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

Use "by phrasing" to show how the way something is worded affects its meaning or impact. Example: "The company avoided liability "by phrasing the contract carefully"".

What are some alternatives to "by phrasing"?

You can use alternatives like "through wording", "in terms of expression", or "by articulating" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "by phrasing" in formal writing?

Yes, "by phrasing" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when discussing the precise way language is used. However, ensure the phrasing is clear and concise.

What's the difference between "by phrasing" and "through wording"?

"By phrasing" emphasizes the act of choosing specific words, while "through wording" focuses more generally on the overall way something is expressed. The two expressions can be used interchangeably most of the times, however the nuance that they create can change the global meaning of the sentence.