by rote

USAGE SUMMARY

"by rote" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a type of memorization in which one memorizes something without understanding the concepts behind it. For example: "The student memorized the French vocabulary words by rote, but could not use them in conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is schooling by rote, not reasoning.

The Economist

Learning by doing replaced learning by rote.

The New York Times

Noel makes outrageous comments by rote, Jeremy makes outrageous comments by rote.

The Guardian - Music

He listed the suspects, as if answering by rote.

The New York Times

But as if by rote I said: "Yes.

The New York Times

Computers, like children, are more often taught by rote.

The New Yorker

Indian schoolchildren complain about learning dates by rote.

The Economist

Teaching is by rote – I mean this, by rote – and people are not encouraged to have critical thinking.

Independent

Omar, by this time, could recite the questions by rote.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Payment-by-results need not mean learning-by-rote.

The Economist

A winning-by-rote franchise that showed its love by committing $62 million over five years.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by rote" to specifically describe learning or performing something through memorization, especially when understanding is lacking.

Common error

Avoid using "by rote" when the context implies a thorough understanding of the subject matter. The phrase indicates mechanical repetition, not mastery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by rote" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe how an action is performed. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in indicating that something is learned or done through mechanical repetition rather than understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by rote" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that signifies learning or performing something through memorization without understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, academia and encyclopedias. While effective for memorizing facts, it's crucial to remember that relying solely on "by rote" learning may hinder critical thinking and deeper comprehension. Therefore, when using "by rote", ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of mechanical repetition rather than genuine mastery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Through memorization

Simple description of the process of learning through memory.

By memorizing

Highlights the memorization process as the method used.

Memorization without understanding

Emphasizes the lack of comprehension during the memorization process.

Through repetition

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of the learning process.

Mechanical repetition

Highlights the repetitive and automated nature of the action.

Going through the motions

Indicates a performance done without genuine feeling or understanding.

Automatic performance

Focuses on the action being done without conscious thought.

Without critical thinking

Directly points out the absence of analytical thought.

Unquestioningly

Implies acceptance and execution without questioning.

Mindlessly

Stresses the lack of awareness or attention during the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "by rote" to describe memorization without understanding, such as: "The students learned the multiplication tables "by rote", but didn't grasp the underlying principles."

What's a good alternative to "by rote"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "through memorization", "mechanical repetition", or "automatic performance" instead of "by rote".

Does "by rote" imply a negative connotation?

Yes, "by rote" often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the learning or performance lacks depth and understanding.

Is learning "by rote" an effective method?

Learning "by rote" can be effective for memorizing facts, but it's less effective for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. A balanced approach is generally recommended.