by the third set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by the third set" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific point in a sequence or timeline, often in contexts like sports, events, or stages of a process. Example: "We should have the results finalized by the third set of data analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

She was certainly wide awake by the third set.

The New York Times - Sports

By the third set, the mistakes by Dokic began outnumbering the miracles.

The New York Times - Sports

The No. 2 and No. 3 Courts were mostly full by the third set.

The New York Times - Sports

Querrey concentrated on each service return, finally anticipating the ball at his shoulders by the third set.

The New York Times - Sports

While he had 45 unforced errors in his first two rounds, Federer surpassed that total by the third set.

The New York Times - Sports

After the first breathless set I found it nearly impossible not to mutter profanities; by the third set I couldn't muster the breath.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The bottom set of holes is surrounded by leaves, the second set by less ornate paintings, the third set topped by a sole star.

Yale University

But with Ferrero ahead by 5-2 in the third set, everything changed.

The New York Times - Sports

The biggest aces by Abbott clinched the third set for Sage Hill.

Los Angeles Times

He opens the third set by holding to love.

The Guardian - Sport

Hingis opened the third set by taking the first game at love, then broke Tauziat, who crumbled with a double fault on break point.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by the third set" to clearly indicate a specific point in a sequence, such as in sports, music performances, or stages of a project. It helps set expectations and provide a temporal reference for progress or changes.

Common error

Avoid using "by the third set" when referring to something that happens during the third set, rather than at or before its beginning. Use "in the third set" to specify that an event occurs within the boundaries of the third set.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the third set" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a prepositional phrase indicating a point in time relative to a sequence of sets. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by the third set" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to denote a specific time marker in a sequence, often found in the context of sports and other structured events. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and common usage. When using the phrase, it's crucial to consider the intended meaning: whether something occurs at or before the start of the third set or during the set itself. Alternatives like "by the third stage" or "in the third set" offer slight variations in meaning that may be more precise depending on the specific context. The phrase has a neutral register, suitable for both news reporting and analytical discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by the third stage

Replaces "set" with "stage", emphasizing a progression through defined phases.

by the third phase

Substitutes "set" with "phase", highlighting a specific point in a multi-part process.

at the third set

Uses "at" instead of "by", focusing on a specific location in the sequence.

upon reaching the third set

Emphasizes the act of arriving at the third set as a condition for something else.

in the third set

Indicates something occurring within the boundaries of the third set.

by the time the third set arrived

Highlights the temporal aspect, focusing on the moment the third set begins.

before the fourth set

Shifts the focus to the point preceding the subsequent set.

leading up to the third set

Highlights the period of time directly before the third set.

when the third set commenced

Uses a more formal tone emphasizing the start of the third set.

on the occasion of the third set

Emphasizes a particular instance or event linked to the third set.

FAQs

How is "by the third set" used in tennis?

In tennis, "by the third set" often describes the state of a player's performance or the match's momentum as it transitions into the third set. For example, "by the third set, a player might be displaying signs of fatigue".

What's a suitable alternative to "by the third set"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "by the third stage", "by the third phase", or "upon reaching the third set". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in the third set" instead of "by the third set"?

Both are correct, but they have different meanings. "By the third set" implies something happens at or before the beginning of the third set, while "in the third set" means something occurs during the third set.

What kind of scenarios can I use "by the third set" in?

The phrase is not limited to sports. You can use it when referring to any sequence of events. Some examples: "by the third act of the play", "by the third round of interviews", or "by the third iteration of the design".