by preaching to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by preaching to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of delivering a sermon or moral lesson to an audience, often implying an attempt to persuade or instruct. Example: "He believes he can change minds by preaching to the converted, but he needs to reach a broader audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Surely, not by preaching to them.

Independent

MSNBC, which found success by preaching to the converted, has now hired an actual preacher.

The New York Times

By preaching to the world at large, it could reinforce the rebellious value of smoking.

The Guardian

By preaching to women and prohibiting divorce, Jesus himself did away with this low estimation of women.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By preaching to the poor, especially in rural areas, Mazenod hoped to renew the life of the church after the French Revolution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fix for this solution isn't to pile onto women by preaching to them, one way or the other, about what they must do.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"I get people interested in food by not preaching to them about healthy food or anything like that," he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And when he says that something drastic has to be done to prevent the threat of further terrorist attacks by Islamist radicals, he is preaching to the converted.

The New Yorker

By "preach to him" what Larry means is that he shouted from across the street.

The Guardian - Sport

The itinerant haridasas, best described as mystic saint-poets, spread the philosophy of Madhvacharya in simple Kannada, winning mass appeal by preaching devotion to God and extolling the virtues of jnana (enlightenment), bhakti (devotion) and vairagya (detachment).

Wikipedia

But though there were occasional flashes of his trademark charisma -- as when he roared the beginning of his classic "Bump n' Grind" -- the singer overall seemed more muted than he has lately, as though he'd been deflated by having to preach to the choir.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by preaching to" to describe a method of conveying beliefs or values, particularly when emphasizing the act of delivering a sermon or moral lesson. Be mindful of the audience and the potential for a preachy tone.

Common error

Avoid using "by preaching to" in contexts where a more subtle or collaborative approach would be more effective. Direct instruction can be off-putting if the audience perceives it as condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by preaching to" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, indicating the means or method by which an action is performed. Ludwig examples show it used to describe how someone attempts to influence or change others' beliefs or behavior. It indicates the act of delivering a message, often with a moral or religious undertone.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

23%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by preaching to" is a common prepositional phrase used to describe a method of conveying beliefs or values, often with a moral or religious undertone. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability across various contexts. While frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki entries, it's essential to be mindful of the audience and potential for a preachy tone. Consider alternatives like "through evangelizing to" or "via instructing" to fine-tune the message according to the communicative purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through evangelizing to

Emphasizes a more religious or missionary approach.

through sermonizing

Suggests giving a sermon, often in a religious context.

by proselytizing

Implies actively seeking converts to a particular belief system.

through moralizing to

Focuses on conveying moral principles or values.

via instructing

Focuses on a formal teaching method.

via educating

Highlights the broad dissemination of knowledge.

by lecturing

Suggests a more formal and often one-sided delivery of information.

by imparting wisdom to

Highlights the transfer of knowledge and experience.

using persuasive arguments

Emphasizes the use of logic and reasoning to convince.

by advocating to

Indicates promoting an idea or cause.

FAQs

How can I use "by preaching to" in a sentence?

You can use "by preaching to" to describe a method of conveying beliefs or values through sermons or moral lessons. For instance, "He tried to influence the youth "by preaching to" them about the importance of education".

What are some alternatives to using "by preaching to"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "through evangelizing to", "via instructing", or "through sermonizing".

Is it always effective to communicate "by preaching to" someone?

No, it is not always effective. The effectiveness of communicating "by preaching to" someone depends on the audience's receptiveness, the context, and the relationship between the speaker and the audience. It can sometimes be perceived as condescending or ineffective if the audience is already knowledgeable or resistant.

What's the difference between "by preaching to" and "by teaching"?

"By preaching to" typically implies conveying a moral or religious message, whereas "by teaching" refers to imparting knowledge or skills. The former often has a persuasive or conversion-oriented aim, while the latter focuses on education and understanding.