by the yard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by the yard" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to measuring fabric or material in yards, often in contexts related to sewing, crafting, or purchasing materials. Example: "I need to buy some fabric by the yard for my sewing project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Art by the yard?

The New York Times

I collect them by the yard.

The New York Times - Magazine

Every schoolchild can quote Pushkin and Lermontov by the yard.

The New York Times

Artists sold scrolls like cloth, by the yard.

The New York Times - Arts

High Chaparral is strongly fancied by the yard.

The Guardian - Sport

Industry was not yet turning out tubing by the yard, like macaroni.

The New Yorker

He speaks by the yard and can be hard to follow.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Instead, he is shackled to epic-by-the-yard filmmaking.

The New York Times

Because there is a whole industry dedicated to churning out fake, by-the-yard "reviews".

The Guardian - Travel

A cynic might say this is country-house-by-the-yard, right down to the gravel on the drive.

Independent

Much of the by-the-yard martial choreography is strictly by-the-book, as Hondo's martinet captain might say.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing fabric or materials sold in standard lengths, use "by the yard" to clearly communicate the unit of purchase or measurement.

Common error

Avoid using "by the yard" when referring to non-linear measurements or quantities where a different unit (e.g., weight, volume) is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the yard" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs like "sold" or "measured" to specify the unit of measurement or sale. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's frequently used to describe how materials are quantified.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by the yard" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate measurement in yards. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While simple in construction, it effectively communicates a specific unit of measurement or sale, making it a valuable term for clear and concise writing. Remember to use "by the yard" only when referencing linear measurements, avoiding its misuse in contexts requiring other units. Alternatives like "per yard" or "in yards" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yard by yard

Stresses the repetitive, sequential nature of measuring, adding emphasis.

by linear foot

Similar to "by the yard" but uses a different unit of measurement.

measured in yards

Highlights the method of measuring using yards but changes the grammatical structure.

in yard-long sections

Specifies that items are divided or exist in segments equal to a yard, focusing on segmented quantity.

in yard measurements

Refers to the type of unit utilized for measurement, maintaining close semantic equivalence.

a yard at a time

Focuses on the action of measuring incrementally, emphasizing gradual progress.

linear measure

Highlights the method of measurement, specifying that it's along a line, a more technical alternative.

in increments

Emphasizes gradual increase or progression, focusing on the step-by-step nature of measurement, rather than a specific unit.

in bulk

Refers to purchasing or handling large quantities, shifting the focus from linear measurement to volume or mass.

per unit length

A formal, scientific expression indicating quantity in relation to a standard length, not necessarily yards.

FAQs

How is "by the yard" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "by the yard" is used to indicate that something is sold or measured in units of yards. For example, "Fabric is often sold "by the yard"".

What are some alternatives to saying "by the yard"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "per yard", "in yards", or "by linear foot" if you are measuring in feet instead of yards.

Is it correct to say "sold by the yard" or "sold in yards"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Sold "by the yard"" emphasizes the unit of sale, while "sold "sold in yards"" focuses on the unit used for measurement or packaging.

When is it appropriate to use "by the yard" instead of other measurement units?

Use "by the yard" when describing the purchase or measurement of materials like fabric, fencing, or trim, which are commonly sold in this unit. For other types of materials, different units such as weight or volume may be more suitable.