by reacting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by reacting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action taken in response to a stimulus or situation. Example: "The team improved their performance by reacting quickly to the changes in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This species lives by reacting carbon monoxide with water.

The Economist

Those who use earnings momentum strategies can make a profit by reacting more quickly.

The New York Times

Antioxidants, by reacting with chain carriers, terminate the oxidative chain reaction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The latter produce hydroxide ions in solution by reacting with water molecules.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Aniline can also be made by reacting ammonia with chlorobenzene, obtained from benzene.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Oxygen achieves this arrangement by reacting with elements that can lose or share electrons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Acrylic acid is "esterified" by reacting it with alcohols such as ethanol (ethyl alcohol) or methanol.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By reacting so slowly, Mr Davis may have cost taxpayers some $20 billion.

The Economist

By reacting this compound with water, the chlorine atoms are replaced by hydroxyl (OH) groups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The chemicals reduce corrosion by reacting with and hence removing the dissolved oxygen in water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But if we keep assuming they are by reacting like this, they will surely become so".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by reacting" to clearly indicate a cause-and-effect relationship, showing that an action is a direct response to something else. For example, "The system adapts effectively by reacting quickly to changes in the environment."

Common error

Avoid using "by reacting" as a catch-all phrase without specifying what is being reacted to and the specific action taken as a result. Instead of saying "The company improved by reacting", specify "The company improved sales by reacting to customer feedback with targeted marketing campaigns."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by reacting" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb. It describes the manner or method by which an action is performed, indicating that the action is a direct response or consequence. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by reacting" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to illustrate a cause-and-effect relationship, specifying that an action is a direct response to a particular stimulus or event. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and sees common usage across a variety of contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedic entries. While the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal writing, it's crucial to ensure clarity by specifying to what the subject is reacting and what specific action is taken as a result. Remember to consider alternatives like "through reaction" or "in response" to refine the nuance of your writing. With its prevalent use and clear function, mastering "by reacting" can enhance the precision and comprehensibility of your written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through reaction

Focuses on the process of reaction as a means to an end.

via reacting

Emphasizes the pathway or method of achieving a result through reaction.

in response

Highlights the responsive nature of the action taken.

as a reaction

Stresses the action as a direct consequence or result of something.

upon reacting

Indicates the timing or condition under which the action occurs.

by means of reaction

Formal way to express the method used involving reaction.

through a reaction process

Highlights the reaction as part of an ongoing process.

based on reaction

Indicates the foundation or basis for an action.

following a reaction

Emphasizes sequence, with an action occurring after a reaction.

with the reaction

This option highlights the simultaneous execution with the reaction.

FAQs

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

Use "by reacting" to show that a specific action is a direct response to something else. For instance, "The organism survives by reacting to environmental changes" or "The market stabilizes by reacting to economic indicators".

What are some alternatives to "by reacting"?

You could use phrases like "in response", "through reaction", or "via reacting" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "by reacting" formal or informal?

"By reacting" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language and the specific scenario will influence the overall tone. In highly formal writing, more precise alternatives might be preferred.

What's the difference between "by reacting" and "in response"?

"By reacting" emphasizes the action itself as the method, while "in response" highlights the reactive nature of the action. For example, "The company adapted by reacting to market changes" focuses on the adaptation process, whereas "The company adapted in response to market changes" emphasizes the reason for adaptation.