by pinching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by pinching" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a method of manipulating or adjusting something, often in a physical context. Example: "You can adjust the volume on your smartphone by pinching the screen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Seal the edge by pinching.

The New York Times

The line can be rotated or widened by pinching.

The New York Times

Place neatly on top of mozzarella and seal edges by pinching them together.

The New York Times - Arts

In Northampton, Mass., Barbara Walch makes her stoneware teapots by pinching clay into place.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is possible to change the font size in the iPad Edition by pinching the screen.

The Guardian

He could navigate by pinching his fingers and moving his arm.

Independent

Heavy-handed efforts in vernacular services also risk crowding out promising locals, by pinching good journalists.

The Economist

The only response is to raise volumes, either by pinching market share or buying it".

The Economist

What Ms. Brown got by pinching pennies on an income of $9,600: A. A husband.

The New York Times

Place a rounded teaspoon of filling in center, fold over and seal by pinching edges together.

The New York Times - Food

The AlN layers show high chemical stability but undergo dissolution by pinching off at grain boundaries.

Acta Materialia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing user interface interactions (like zooming on a screen), "by pinching" is clear and concise. Use it to explain how a user can manipulate the display.

Common error

While "by pinching" is generally understood, be specific about what is being pinched and the intended result. For instance, instead of saying 'adjust the setting by pinching', specify 'adjust the volume by pinching the screen with two fingers'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by pinching" functions primarily as an instrumental prepositional phrase. This means it describes the method or means by which an action is performed. Ludwig provides examples where it specifies how something is achieved, such as sealing edges in cooking or navigating a holographic interface.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

33.33%

News & Media

33.33%

Science

33.33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by pinching" is a versatile prepositional phrase primarily used to explain the means by which an action is carried out. Ludwig highlights its widespread use across varied domains like cooking, technology, and science. Its grammatical correctness and common occurrence make it a reliable choice for conveying methods or instructions. While "by pinching" is widely considered correct, its neutrality allows it to integrate seamlessly into diverse writing styles. Ludwig also indicates that the phrase appears frequently in Wiki, News & Media and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

via squeezing

Emphasizes the action of compressing something between two surfaces, similar to pinching.

by nipping

Suggests a quick, light pinching action, often used for removing small parts.

with a nip

Is similar to "by nipping" and suggests a quick, light pinching action.

through gripping

Focuses on the act of holding firmly, which can sometimes involve a pinching motion.

using a pincer movement

Highlights the precision and control involved in grasping something with a pinching action.

by compressing

Emphasizes reducing in size or volume by squeezing, similar to pinching.

by clamping

Implies a more forceful and sustained pinching action, often used to secure something.

through compression

Highlights the act of reducing volume or size by applying pressure, which can be achieved by pinching.

by seizing

Emphasizes a sudden and forceful act of taking hold, which can involve a pinching motion.

via close contact

Highlights that the action involves objects or parts being close one to each other.

FAQs

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

You can use "by pinching" to describe a way of manipulating something, such as "You can zoom in and out on the map "by pinching" your fingers on the screen".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "by pinching"?

Alternatives include phrases like "through squeezing", "via gripping", or "using a pincer movement", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "adjust the volume by pinching"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct, but providing more details, like "adjust the volume "by pinching" the volume control with your fingers", makes the instruction clearer.

How does "by pinching" differ from "by pressing"?

"By pinching" typically involves using the thumb and forefinger to grip and squeeze, while "by pressing" suggests applying pressure to a surface, such as "by pressing" a button.