by setting

USAGE SUMMARY

"by setting" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to introduce the means or method by which something is achieved. Example: The problem can be solved quickly by setting aside our differences and working together.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By setting another world record.

The New York Times - Sports

And by setting that example.

Princeton University

By setting up an anonymous offshore company.

The Guardian

Start by setting limits and household rules.

The New York Times - Health

By setting up Community Land Trusts (CLTs).

The Times

The president starts by setting her goals.

Harvard Business Review

Data were normalised by setting data from day 9 = 1.

Nature

Turn these off by setting the Alert Style to none.

The Guardian - Money

Start by setting your friendship up for success.

Harvard Business Review

Throughout, he organizes unwieldy material by setting up polar opposites.

The New York Times

He began by setting down a name: Lustgarten.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by setting", ensure the object being set is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Improve your health by setting realistic fitness goals."

Common error

Avoid using "by setting" when the intended meaning is better conveyed by another phrase. For instance, don't say "By setting, the meeting was productive" when you mean "Because of the agenda, the meeting was productive."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by setting" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically acting as an adverbial modifier. It indicates the method or means by which an action is performed or a result is achieved. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is widely used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

9%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by setting" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves as an adverbial modifier, explaining the method or means by which an action is performed. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across various registers, primarily in news, scientific, and business contexts. When using "by setting", ensure clarity and context to maximize its impact. Alternatives such as "through establishing" or "in setting up" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember to avoid ambiguous constructions and to consider the formality of the context when choosing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by establishing

Synonymous; slightly more formal.

in setting up

Focuses on the action of setting something up.

through the act of establishing

More verbose; emphasizes the process of establishing.

through defining

Shorter and more direct; highlights the defining action.

via the establishment of

More formal; focuses on the result of establishing.

in the process of setting

Highlights the ongoing nature of setting something.

by means of defining

Emphasizes the act of defining as a method.

with the act of setting

More emphatic; stresses the act itself.

by way of fixing

Implies a more permanent or definite action.

using the method of setting

More explanatory; clarifies the approach being used.

FAQs

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

Use "by setting" to describe how something is achieved or initiated. For example, "You can improve your writing by setting aside time for practice each day."

What are some alternatives to "by setting"?

You can use alternatives like "through establishing", "via defining", or "in setting up" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "by setting up" instead of "by setting"?

Both phrases are correct, but "by setting up" implies establishing or arranging something, while "by setting" is more general and can refer to defining or initiating something. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "by setting" and "by establishing"?

"By setting" is a broader term, while "by establishing" typically refers to creating or founding something in a more formal or permanent way. For example, you might set a deadline, but you establish a company.