by questions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by questions" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to indicate a method of inquiry or exploration, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "The research was conducted by questions that aimed to uncover participants' experiences."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

We live by questions.

The Guardian

One woman recalled being barraged by questions.

The New York Times

Lewis was bothered by questions about his decision later.

The New York Times - Sports

That's illustrated by questions asked by the Pew Research Center.

The New York Times

Then came doubts, followed by questions and alarming insights.

The New York Times - Books

Renewal is besieged by questions about cyber security.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Wilson seemed irritated by questions about his management strategies.

The New York Times

You start out floundering in a void, plagued by questions.

The New Yorker

Mitt got flustered, once again, by questions about his taxes.

The New Yorker

The manager was clearly irked by questions on the issue.

The Guardian - Sport

But Mr. Tollett seemed unfazed by questions about competition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reframe sentences to use more precise prepositions like "through", "via", or "because of" for clearer meaning. For example, instead of "renewal is besieged "by questions" about cyber security", consider "renewal is challenged through questions about cyber security".

Common error

Don't rely solely on "by questions" as it can be vague. Instead, specify the relationship or influence the questions have. Using alternatives like "through inquiries" or "as a result of questioning" will improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by questions" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. However, it often lacks the necessary clarity to effectively convey the intended relationship. Ludwig AI points out that it is not grammatically correct and does not convey a clear meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "by questions" appears frequently in various sources, Ludwig AI suggests that it often lacks clarity and grammatical precision. It functions as a prepositional phrase intended to show influence or cause, but it's generally better to use more specific alternatives such as "through questioning", "via inquiry", or "as a result of questioning". Doing so will help ensure your writing is clear and grammatically sound, especially in formal or professional contexts. To further enhance precision, specify the nature and impact of the questions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guided by questions

Suggests that a process or direction is being influenced or determined by questions.

through questioning

Emphasizes the process of asking questions as a means to achieve something.

prompted by queries

Highlights that questions initiated or stimulated an action or thought.

via inquiry

Highlights a formal or structured approach to investigation.

influenced by the questioning

Highlights the impact questions have on shaping an opinion or decision.

based on the questions

Indicates that something is founded or derived from specific questions.

as a result of questioning

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of asking questions.

shaped by the investigation

Emphasizes how inquiry alters or molds a situation or understanding.

due to inquiries

Similar to 'as a result of questioning' but can imply a more direct causal relationship.

following interrogation

Implies a more intense or formal questioning process.

FAQs

How can I rephrase a sentence that uses "by questions"?

Consider using alternatives like "through questioning", "via inquiry", or "as a result of questioning" depending on the specific context and intended meaning. These alternatives provide more clarity and precision.

Is "by questions" grammatically correct?

While frequently used, Ludwig AI indicates that "by questions" is not always grammatically correct and may lack clarity. It's better to use more precise alternatives such as "through questioning" or "as a result of questioning".

What does it mean when something is described as being "driven by questions"?

It means that the subject is propelled, guided, or motivated by inquiry. However, you could improve clarity by saying "driven through questioning" or "motivated by queries" instead.

In what contexts is "by questions" most commonly used?

It appears frequently in news and media, as well as scientific writing. However, ensure grammatical correctness and clarity by considering more precise phrasing like "shaped by the investigation" or "influenced by the questioning".