by time

USAGE SUMMARY

"by time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the progression of events over time; for instance, "Their skills have improved by time".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Hatred of Ovitz seems undiminished by time.

The New Yorker

He is a man obsessed by time.

The New Yorker

Only principles remain untouched by time.

The Guardian

No more being called "demigod" by Time.

The New Yorker

"These practices have been proven by time".

The New York Times

I'm fascinated by time.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

*Region-by-time interaction effects.

BMC Public Health

Avoid retransmissions by time-outs.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

But meeting value today is destroyed by time-to-start.

TechCrunch

Development was monitored by time-lapse microscopy.

Human Reproduction

Synergism was evaluated by time-kill studies.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by time" to indicate that something is influenced, measured, or determined by the passage of time or a specific point in time. For instance, "Changes in the data were tracked by time of day."

Common error

Avoid using "by time" when "in time" is more appropriate. "In time" suggests eventually or before a deadline, whereas "by time" indicates a relationship or measurement relative to time. For example, say "The project must be completed in time for the deadline" not "by time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by time" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a temporal relationship. This can denote measurement, influence, or change in relation to the passage of time or a specific moment. Ludwig examples show usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by time" functions as a prepositional phrase denoting a temporal relationship, commonly used to express influence or measurement relative to the passage of time. It's grammatically correct and widely employed across different contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. While often confused with "in time", understanding the subtle difference is crucial for precise writing. Remember, "by time" indicates a temporal dependency, whereas "in time" implies eventual completion or timeliness. With its prevalent usage in news, science, and general writing, mastering "by time" enhances clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with time

Implies that something will be accomplished as time passes.

over time

Indicates a gradual change or development during an extended period.

with the passage of time

Emphasizes the influence of the progression of time on a particular outcome or situation.

as time goes by

Highlights the continuous flow of time and its impact.

in due course

Suggests that something will happen at the appropriate or expected time.

as time elapses

Focuses on the act of time passing and its consequences.

depending on the timing

Highlights that the outcome is conditional to when something happens.

at a later date

Refers to a point in the future.

in the fullness of time

Implies that something will occur when the circumstances are fully developed or ripe.

eventually

Indicates that something will happen at some unspecified future time.

FAQs

How can I use "by time" in a sentence?

Use "by time" to show how something changes or is affected as time passes. For example, "Her skills improved "by time" and practice" shows how time influenced her skill development.

What does "by time" mean?

"By time" signifies a relationship or dependency on a specific moment or the passage of time. It indicates that something is measured, influenced, or determined in relation to time. It doesn't mean "eventually" or "before a deadline".

Is there a difference between "by time" and "with time"?

While both phrases relate to the concept of time, "with time" implies a gradual process or development, whereas "by time" suggests measurement or influence at a specific point or duration. You can use "with time" when emphasizing the gradual change.

Which is correct, "improved by time" or "improved in time"?

The correct phrase depends on the intended meaning. "Improved "by time"" suggests that improvement was measured or occurred relative to time. "Improved "in time"" implies the improvement happened before a certain deadline or event.