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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

by question

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by question" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is unclear when or how to use it, as it lacks context and does not form a standard expression. Example: "Please respond by question" does not make sense as it stands.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

That will be followed by Question Time.

News & Media

The Guardian

Seizing on the unusual opportunity to question the justices, senators set the agenda question by question.

News & Media

The New York Times

The Obama administration's claim is more complicated, and comes accompanied by question marks.

News & Media

The New York Times

By question time, Labor was fired up, pursing the Coalition over the cost.

News & Media

The Guardian

Question by question, Mr. Saracco amassed contradictions and apparant gaps in Mr. Davis's memory.

News & Media

The New York Times

But Mr. Tetzlaff appeared to be overthinking the lyrical passages, with phrases punctuated by question marks and constant rhetorical adjustments.

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

In a question-by-question analysis for questions 1-4, patients who improved according to HURT had higher PSS scores (more satisfied) (Table 3).

Questionnaire accuracy was assessed on a question-by-question basis.

They identified emergent themes on a question-by-question basis.

Analysis of the cognitive debriefing portion of the interviews was on a question-by-question basis.

Each transcript was then summarized on a question-by-question basis.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you intend to say "on a question-by-question basis", prefer the explicit and clearer phrase. It is more readily understood and less prone to misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "by question" when you mean "regarding the question" or "concerning the question". Using the phrase incorrectly often leads to confusion, as it's grammatically unusual and can obscure your intended meaning. Instead, opt for clearer alternatives that directly express the relationship to the question.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

81%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by question" functions as a prepositional phrase, often intended to modify a verb or noun, indicating the method or scope of an action or assessment. However, as noted by Ludwig AI, its usage is often grammatically awkward and requires careful consideration of context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "by question" appears in various contexts, including science and news media, Ludwig AI flags it as often grammatically incorrect and lacking clear meaning. Its intended purpose is usually to specify a method or scope related to questioning, but it's often clearer to use alternatives like "on a question-by-question basis" or "regarding the question". Therefore, while the phrase is somewhat common, especially in certain domains, careful consideration and potential rephrasing are recommended for improved clarity and grammatical correctness.

FAQs

How can I use "by question" correctly in a sentence?

While the phrase "by question" is often considered grammatically incorrect, it can be used in specific contexts where it implies a method or manner related to questioning. However, it's often clearer to use alternatives like "on a question-by-question basis" or "regarding the question".

What's a better way to say "assessed by question"?

Instead of "assessed by question", consider using phrases like "assessed "on a question-by-question basis"", "assessed according to the question", or "evaluated "in relation to the question"" for improved clarity.

Is it correct to say "analyzed by question"?

While understandable, "analyzed by question" isn't ideal. More precise options include "analyzed "for each question"", "analyzed question by question", or "analyzed "with respect to the question"", which specify the analytical approach more clearly.

What are some alternatives to "determined by question"?

For "determined by question", clearer alternatives include "determined according to the question", "determined based on the question", or "determined "concerning the question"". These options provide a more grammatically sound and easily understood construction.

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Source & Trust

81%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: