by tact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by tact" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts where one is referring to the manner of handling a situation with sensitivity or diplomacy, but it is better to use it in a more complete phrase. Example: "She managed to resolve the conflict by tact, ensuring that everyone's feelings were considered."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Their first aim is to take the heat out of a situation by tact & conciliation; never by authoritarian methods.

The New Yorker

Regardless of whether you might wear these things, the discipline of the presentation, its coherence and conviction, was winning, as was the spectacle: extreme pretentiousness leavened by tact.

The New Yorker

By tact and diplomacy he managed to maintain his friendship with Mengli and to avoid serious trouble in Kazan for the rest of his reign.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was the general as good boss instead of great leader — even if the boss was one who cajoled the employees, by tact and good taste, into getting themselves killed for the benefit of the head office.

The New Yorker

Ms. Treut, a chirpy, sympathetic presence whose curiosity is always balanced by tact, introduces us to a few Bay Area residents who defy assimilation to the usual categories: gay or straight, male or female.

The New York Times

Never obviously bothered by tact, Milne could publish a column a couple of days after 9/11 bemoaning that those in the US asking why the attacks occurred "still don't get it".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Like many pioneers, Lomax was, at heart, a purist, someone who believed in the unquestionable importance of his calling, and whose self-belief was unleavened by either tact or self-doubt.

The Guardian - Music

By using tact, kindness and consideration, he or she will have an active and caring listener.

Los Angeles Times

Traditionally, there was a great deal of friction between the two services, but Louis exercised his social skills in the role, leading Prince George, Duke of Cambridge, to write to him, "You have produced a mutual feeling of goodwill and unanimity which I have always wished to see established, and which, by your tact and sound judgement, you have brought about to the fullest extent".

Wikipedia

As e-mailers, both men, in keeping with their positions near but not quite at the top of their respective food chains, are cordial and politic, and they were astounded by the lack of tact exhibited by Bush Administration officials in their e-mail discussions over the firing of eight "underperforming" federal prosecutors.

The New Yorker

Angiogenic cell therapy by intramuscular injection of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells was first attempted in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) with critical limb ischemia, and the feasibility was shown by a randomized controlled Therapeutic Angiogenesis by Cell Transplantation (TACT) study.

American Heart Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by tact" when you want to emphasize that a situation was successfully managed through careful and sensitive handling, avoiding direct confrontation or offense.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice constructions when using "by tact". Instead of saying "the situation was handled by tact", opt for a more active construction such as "she handled the situation by tact".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by tact" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, indicating the means or manner by which an action is performed. Ludwig examples show it describing how someone achieves a goal or handles a situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by tact" is an acceptable, though not exceedingly common, way to describe achieving something through careful and sensitive handling. Ludwig's AI identifies it as a slightly awkward phrase to start a sentence with. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki sources, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. Related phrases like "with diplomacy" or "with sensitivity" may offer a more natural sound in certain contexts. When using "by tact", ensure you are emphasizing the strategic and deliberate nature of the approach in achieving a positive outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with diplomacy

Emphasizes the use of skillful negotiation and maintaining peaceful relationships.

with sensitivity

Highlights the careful consideration of others' feelings and needs.

through diplomacy

Similar to 'with diplomacy', focusing on diplomacy as the method.

through sensitivity

Mirrors 'with sensitivity', emphasizing sensitivity as the means.

using a delicate approach

Indicates a careful and gentle method to avoid causing offense.

with a nuanced approach

Highlights the use of subtle and insightful methods.

by using discretion

Focuses on the quality of being discreet and avoiding causing embarrassment.

with finesse

Emphasizes skillful and elegant handling of a situation.

with careful consideration

Highlights the thoughtful and deliberate nature of the approach.

through strategic maneuvering

Highlights the carefully planned actions to achieve a specific outcome.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "by tact" to sound more natural?

Consider alternatives such as "with diplomacy", "with sensitivity", or "using discretion depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "by tact"?

While grammatically permissible, starting a sentence with "by tact" can sound awkward. It's often better to integrate it into the sentence's main clause, such as "She succeeded "by being tactful"".

What is the difference between "by tact" and "with tact"?

While both phrases are similar, "by tact" emphasizes the means by which something is achieved, while "with tact" describes the manner in which it is done. The difference is subtle, but "by tact" is more about the method, and "with tact" is more about the style.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "by tact"?

The phrase "by tact" is appropriate in situations where skillful handling, sensitivity, and diplomacy are key to achieving a positive outcome, particularly in sensitive or potentially confrontational contexts. It might refer to resolving conflict, negotiating agreements, or managing interpersonal relationships.