by practising

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by practising" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the method or means by which something is achieved, particularly in the context of improving a skill or ability. Example: "You can improve your language skills by practising every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Surgeons learn to operate the robot by practising on cadavers.

The Guardian

Perhaps it is possible to give up these illusions by practising watching the mind.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the best way to unlock that is by practising Mindfulness".

The Guardian - Travel

Field & Flower  The Big Taster Field & Flower is run by practising farmers based in Somerset.

Independent

Try building up your technique gradually by practising each skill separately first.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was not entirely surprised to discover that the Mauler makes his living by practising hypnosis.

The Guardian

We can do this personally by practising not thinking in terms of free will.

The Guardian - Opinion

She does, though, believe that by practising different techniques of finger counting we could all improve our mental arithmetic.

The Guardian

So, having limbered up by practising on a copy of the García Martínez painting, she set to work.

Independent

We are a not-for-profit organisation addressing environmental, health and community concerns by practising and promoting sustainable urban farming.

The Guardian

You only become competent at being interviewed, chairing meetings and giving presentations by practising or doing it repeatedly.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by practising", ensure that the action being practised is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Improve by practising", specify "Improve your guitar skills by practising daily scales".

Common error

Avoid using "by practising" in excessively passive constructions. Instead of "Skills are improved by practising", opt for the more direct "Practising improves skills".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by practising" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause, indicating the method or means by which an action is performed or a goal is achieved. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use across various contexts, from improving skills to implementing strategies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by practising" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase widely used to indicate the method or means of achieving a specific outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, maintaining a neutral register that makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. With diverse applications spanning from skill improvement to strategic implementation, "by practising" is a valuable asset in effective writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through practice

Emphasizes the general process of doing something repeatedly to improve.

by means of practice

Highlights that practice is a method of achieving something.

through diligent training

Suggests a structured and dedicated approach to skill development.

via consistent application

Focuses on the regular and unwavering implementation of a technique.

by repeated exercise

Implies that physical or mental exercises are used for improvement.

by honing your skills

Emphasizes refining and perfecting existing abilities.

through continuous rehearsal

Highlights the importance of repeated performance to achieve mastery.

by cultivating the habit

Focuses on developing a routine to enhance performance over time.

through persistent effort

Highlights the sustained dedication required to achieve proficiency.

by mastering the technique

Suggests gaining complete control and understanding of a method.

FAQs

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

The phrase "by practising" introduces the method or means of achieving a particular outcome. For example, "You can become proficient in a language "by practising" it regularly".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "through practice", "via training", or "by means of practice".

Is there a difference between saying "by practising" and "through practice"?

"By practising" emphasizes the action of doing, while "through practice" highlights the general process. Both are grammatically correct and often interchangeable, but one might sound more natural depending on the sentence structure.

How can I improve my English skills "by practising"?

You can improve your English skills "by practising" regularly with native speakers, watching English movies and shows, reading English books and articles, and writing in English daily.