by this much

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by this much" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific amount or degree, often in a comparative context. Example: "I was able to improve my score by this much, which shows my dedication to studying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"I've never led by this much.

The New York Times - Sports

If other projections are off by this much, the results will be disastrous.

The New York Times

Never in his career has Felton been surrounded by this much talent, or expectations this high.

The New York Times - Sports

I've learned to suppose "this much excellence" is accompanied by "this much labour".

The Guardian - Books

But do we have to cut now, and by this much?

The Guardian

Normally, being surrounded by this much hard-core contemporary art can be quickly overwhelming.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Three to see Helen Chadwick Barbican, London EC2, until 1 Aug Sculptures, installation and photo-works by this much-lamented artist.

The Guardian - Arts

The Dream of Reason is now joined by this much-anticipated sequel, which picks up the story with Descartes and carries it forward to the beginnings of the French Revolution.

The Guardian - Books

She does know the earth is run by mothers, this much is certain.

The New York Times - Books

Having watched three episodes hand-picked by Fox, this much is clear: it offers no redeeming social value.

The New York Times - Sports

Oops, seems like our calculator-laden heroes of forecasting missed it by just this much.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by this much" to clearly indicate a specific degree, quantity, or extent of difference or change, providing context for comparison. For example, "The temperature increased by this much, causing significant melting."

Common error

While "by this much" is acceptable, avoid overuse in strictly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "to this extent" or "by this amount" for enhanced clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by this much" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier. It quantifies the degree or extent to which something changes, differs, or is affected. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is frequently found in comparative contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by this much" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase for indicating a quantity, degree, or extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used in comparative contexts across various domains, particularly in news, sports, and business reporting. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "to this extent" or "by this amount" in academic or highly formal writing to enhance precision and professionalism. Remember to use "by this much" to specify an amount clearly and to avoid overuse in contexts demanding heightened formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by this amount

More literal, referring to a specific quantity or measurement.

to this degree

Focuses on the extent or level something reaches, rather than a specific quantity.

to this extent

Similar to 'to this degree', emphasizing the range or scope.

to such a degree

Emphasizes the intensity or extremity of the amount.

in this proportion

Highlights the ratio or relative quantity.

by a comparable quantity

Implies a comparison between two similar amounts.

by a similar margin

Used when comparing differences or leads, particularly in competitive contexts.

in that measure

Formal alternative, emphasizing the specific amount or quantity.

that much

Shorter and more informal, indicating a similar level or degree.

to that level

Highlights achievement or reaching a specific standard.

FAQs

How can I use "by this much" in a sentence?

You can use "by this much" to indicate a degree or quantity of difference. For example, "The stock price increased "by this much" after the announcement."

What phrases are similar to "by this much"?

Similar phrases include "to this extent", "by this amount", or "to this degree depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "increased by this much"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. For example, "The company's profits increased "by this much" compared to last year".

Can "by this much" be used in formal writing?

While usable, it might be better to use a more formal alternative like "to this extent" or "by this amount" in very formal contexts.