by that token

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by that token" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a conclusion or implication follows logically from a previous statement. Example: "She has always been dedicated to her work; by that token, we can trust her to lead this project successfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

And, by that token, extend our disquiet to the chilly judgment implicit in Haneke's gaze?

The Guardian - Film

And by that token, do the teeming slums of Mumbai or Lagos represent civilisation?

The Guardian - Tech

By that token, the latest figure for unemployed workers is, at the least, a danger sign.

The New York Times

By that token, the current poor performance may also prove largely cyclical, a view backed by the Bank of England.

The Economist

By that token the Newport Folk Festival looks to be in excellent health, though you never know.

The New York Times - Arts

By that token she was, as the Chicago Sun-Times put it, "the poster child for burned-out sports prodigies".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Now, if this sentence actually appeared in one of the Holmes stories by Arthur Conan Doyle, then that token of it would not be true — it would be a bit of fiction.

SEP

For the most part, the intelligence agencies are inept – and by that every token, have often been dangerous.

The Guardian - Opinion

And we sense the genuine, probably lasting anguish caused by the loss of that token of love in every word.

The New York Times - Arts

Further, the SEC is "clarifying their position regarding ICOs" by stating that most tokens issued through these sales are securities, he noted.

Forbes

By that same token, I was not raised in Iran as a middle-class woman, educated and full of potential, but constrained by the Islamic Republic's heavy hand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your use of connectors. While "by that token" is useful, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "therefore", "consequently", or "as a result" to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "by that token" when there isn't a clear, logical relationship between the two statements. This phrase indicates a direct consequence or inference, so misusing it can confuse your reader and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by that token" functions as a transitional phrase, specifically a conjunctive adverb. It connects two clauses or sentences, indicating that the second statement is a logical consequence or inference derived from the first. As Ludwig AI indicates, it signals a clear relationship between ideas.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by that token" serves as a valuable connector phrase, effectively signaling a logical consequence or inference. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and best used when a clear connection between two statements exists. While versatile, it's important to note that it is more suited to formal or neutral contexts such as news, media, scientific papers, or business communications. When striving for variety in your writing, consider using alternatives like "therefore" or "as a result" to prevent repetition. Avoiding its misuse in unrelated contexts will ensure clarity and strengthen your arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

therefore

A more direct and concise way to indicate a logical consequence.

consequently

Highlights the result or effect of a previous statement.

as a result

Emphasizes the outcome or effect of a preceding action or situation.

for that reason

Directly states the cause or justification for a conclusion.

in that case

Indicates a course of action or conclusion based on a given condition.

accordingly

Suggests an action or decision that is appropriate or fitting based on what has been stated.

hence

A formal way of saying "therefore" or "as a result".

thus

Indicates a conclusion or result that follows logically.

on that account

Similar to "for that reason", emphasizing the preceding statement as the basis.

given that

Introduces a premise or condition from which a conclusion is drawn.

FAQs

How do I use "by that token" in a sentence?

Use "by that token" to indicate that a conclusion or implication follows logically from a previous statement. For example: "She has always been dedicated to her work; by that token, we can trust her to lead this project successfully."

What can I say instead of "by that token"?

You can use alternatives like "therefore", "consequently", or "as a result" depending on the context.

Is "by that token" formal or informal?

"By that token" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic writing. In more casual settings, alternatives like "so" or "that means" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "by that token" and "by the same token"?

"By that token" indicates a consequence or inference from a previous statement. "By the same token" is used to introduce a statement that is analogous to or consistent with the previous one. For example: "He values honesty; by that token, he would never lie. By the same token, he expects honesty from others."