by subtracting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by subtracting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining a mathematical operation or a method of calculation that involves taking one quantity away from another. Example: "To find the difference between the two numbers, you can do this by subtracting the smaller number from the larger one."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The communications business is the only one in the world where you multiply by subtracting.

The New Yorker

It aimed to update existing products, adding convenience by subtracting cables.

The New York Times - Tech

The mean score for each drug was determined by subtracting one from another.

The Guardian - Opinion

Net worth is determined by subtracting the debt owed from assets.

The Guardian - Money

It can be crudely estimated by subtracting your age from 220.

The New York Times - Tech

But Mr. Gore should not win by subtracting votes legitimately cast for his opponent.

The New York Times

The earnings, derived by subtracting first-quarter figures from the first-half results released yesterday, were worse than analysts forecast.

The New York Times

That break-even rate is calculated by subtracting the real yield on TIPS from the yield on regular Treasuries.

The New York Times

Does it make sense to remedy this problem by subtracting an imprecise estimated value of options from earnings?

The New York Times

spectrum of a sample is obtained by subtracting the i.r.r

Polymer

The ΔA was calculated by subtracting Aλ2 from Aλ1.

Botanical Studies

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by subtracting", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being subtracted from what to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "calculate the difference by subtracting", specify "calculate the difference by subtracting the smaller value from the larger value".

Common error

Avoid using "by subtracting" without specifying the quantities involved. Saying "the value was obtained by subtracting" is less clear than "the value was obtained by subtracting the cost from the revenue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by subtracting" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the method or means by which an action is performed. Ludwig examples show its use in explaining calculations or processes where one quantity is taken away from another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by subtracting" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes a method of calculation or reduction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct for everyday use. With a score of 4.5, expert raters confirm that both structure and sources are highly authoritative. It is prevalent in scientific and news contexts. When using "by subtracting", clarity is paramount: specify what is being subtracted and from what to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "through subtraction" or "using subtraction", depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through subtraction

Replaces the preposition "by" with "through", focusing on the process of subtraction.

via subtraction

Uses "via" as a synonym for "by", indicating a method or means of subtraction.

using subtraction

Emphasizes the act of using subtraction as a method.

subtracting from

Focuses on the action of taking away from a whole.

lessening by

Suggests reducing or diminishing by a specified amount.

reducing by

Implies a decrease or reduction achieved through subtraction.

taking away from

A more descriptive way to express removing a quantity.

diminishing by

Highlights a gradual decrease through subtraction.

deducting from

Refers to the act of taking away, often in a formal context like accounting.

with subtraction

Indicates that subtraction is the means by which something is accomplished.

FAQs

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

You can use "by subtracting" to describe a method of calculation or reduction, for example: "We found the profit /s/by+subtracting the expenses from the revenue." or "The age can be estimated /s/by+subtracting the birth year from the current year."

What are some alternatives to using "by subtracting"?

Alternatives include "through subtraction", "using subtraction", or rephrasing to focus on the result of the subtraction, like "after deducting" or "lessening by".

Is it always necessary to specify what is being subtracted when using "by subtracting"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what's being subtracted and from what enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretation. For example, "the remainder /s/by+subtracting" is less informative than "the remainder /s/by+subtracting the initial cost from the final price".

How does the context influence the choice of using "by subtracting" over other similar phrases?

The choice depends on the desired emphasis. "By subtracting" focuses on the method, while phrases like "after deducting" highlight the resulting value. Formal contexts might favor "deducting from", while general contexts are fine with "by subtracting".