by the meter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by the meter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing measurements, particularly in contexts related to pricing or consumption based on a unit of length. Example: "The fabric is sold by the meter, so make sure to calculate how much you need for your project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Donaldson says there are a number of ways the information collected by the meter could be presented to users.

The Guardian - Tech

On top of a wood-fire-cooked pizza, ordered by the meter, you may find a thin chickpea flatbread called fainá.

The New York Times - Travel

Others who have signed up for the service can then pay $3 to have the departing driver squat by the meter for them until they arrive.Not surprisingly the app has proved controversial.

The Economist

Next door, at Naim Burc Ticaret, its shelves jammed with sheets, towels and fabric by the meter, Huseyin Burc, the manager, said his business had fallen 50 percent or 60 percent in the past year.

The New York Times

Opening A SLICE OF NAPLES Guilio Adriani, the owner of Forcella, opens a tiny pizzeria with Neapolitan pizzas that are oblong and sold al metro, or by the meter.

The New York Times - Food

One you can count on is Didara Design by Goya Lopes (Rua Gregório de Matos, 20; 55-71-3321-9428; www.didara.com.br) featuring Ms. Lopes's famed African-themed prints — people, animals, abstract — on shirts, dresses, aprons, pillows and fabric bought by the meter.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

He delivered great, gutsy trombone solos on "Hot Pants" (by James Brown) and "Funky Miracle" (by the Meters).

The New York Times

At times they had the spotlight to themselves and filled it with classic jams by the Meters, who once counted Mr. Nocentelli as a member.

The New York Times - Arts

Soul music is represented by the Meters, the highly influential New Orleans funk band, and the Marvelettes, one of the great Motown girl groups from the 1960s.

The New York Times

His popularity crested in the 1970s, when he recorded funk albums, backed by the Meters, and scored his biggest hit single, "Right Place Wrong Time," in 1973.

The New York Times - Arts

That report shows that most of the revenues generated by the meters this year — 56.4 percent of total payments — is coming from motorists who park beyond downtown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by the meter" to describe pricing, ensure clarity by specifying what is being measured and priced (e.g., "fabric sold by the meter").

Common error

Avoid using "by the meter" without context. Always specify what is being measured. For instance, instead of saying "it's charged by the meter", clarify with "electricity is charged by the meter."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the meter" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify how something is measured, sold, or charged. As Ludwig AI shows, it often describes pricing or quantifying something in relation to a unit of length.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by the meter" is a prepositional phrase that serves as an adverbial modifier, primarily used to specify measurement or pricing methods. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for neutral contexts. While examples are rare, the phrase is found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. When using "by the meter", ensure that the measurement or commodity being quantified is explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "per meter" or "in meters", depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

per meter

Directly expresses the rate or cost for each meter.

by linear meter

Specifies the measurement along a line or length.

meter by meter

Emphasizes a sequential or gradual measurement process.

for every meter

Shows a direct relationship or correspondence for each meter.

in meters

Indicates measurement using meters as the unit.

measured in meters

Highlights the act of measuring something using meters.

on a meter basis

Describes something calculated or charged using meter readings.

using meter measurements

Emphasizes the use of meter-based data.

according to meter reading

Refers to determining something based on what a meter indicates.

scaled to meter length

Relates to adjusting something to the length represented by a meter.

FAQs

How can I use "by the meter" in a sentence?

You can use "by the meter" to describe how something is measured or sold, such as "The cable is sold "per meter"" or "Land was sold "by linear meter"."

What is an alternative to saying "by the meter"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""per meter"", "for every meter", or specifying the unit of measurement directly, like "measured in meters."

When is it appropriate to use "by the meter"?

Use "by the meter" when you want to emphasize that the quantity or cost is directly proportional to a length measurement, typically in contexts of selling materials, charging for utilities, or describing technical specifications.

What's the difference between "by the meter" and "in meters"?

"By the meter" indicates a rate or charge based on meter length. "In meters" simply specifies that a measurement is expressed using meters as the unit. For example, "The cost is by the meter", while "The length is specified in meters."