by trade

USAGE SUMMARY

'by trade' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is used to indicate someone's profession or vocation. For example, "She is an accountant by trade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I am by trade a novelist.

The New Yorker

By trade Goodman is a furniture upholsterer.

The New Yorker

I do not earn money by trade.

The New Yorker

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie arrived by trade.

The New York Times - Sports

By trade he was a slater.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Every writer is an anatomist by trade.

The New Yorker

Disgusted by trade unionists and completely depoliticised.

Independent

Sylvia Crawford is a communicator by trade.

The New York Times - Sports

A barber by trade.

Nature

"Well, a lawyer by trade".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

These pages have a dubious by-trade in shaming cheaters.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by trade" to clearly and concisely indicate someone's primary occupation, especially when contrasting it with other activities or interests.

Common error

Avoid using "by trade" to describe hobbies or secondary skills. It should primarily refer to the main profession through which someone earns a living or is formally recognized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by trade" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to specify a person's profession or occupation. This provides essential contextual information, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by trade" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate someone's profession or occupation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting numerous examples across diverse contexts, most notably in news and media. When using "by trade", remember it refers to the primary means by which someone earns a living, differentiating it from hobbies or secondary skills. Alternatives like "by profession" or "occupationally" offer similar meanings. It's a versatile phrase suitable for various writing styles while maintaining clarity and precision regarding one's professional identity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by profession

Similar to "by trade", but perhaps slightly more formal.

professionally speaking

This alternative focuses on the professional aspect of the individual.

as a career

This emphasizes the long-term nature of the profession.

as an occupation

This version emphasizes the work someone does to earn a living.

in terms of vocation

This is a more formal way of describing someone's calling or profession.

regarding their profession

This is a more descriptive way of introducing someone's profession.

occupationally

A single-word adverb conveying the idea of someone's occupation.

for a living

This highlights how someone earns money.

career-wise

This alternative phrase is a more informal way to express someone's profession.

in the capacity of

This phrase indicates the role or function someone performs.

FAQs

How do I use "by trade" in a sentence?

You can use "by trade" to specify someone's profession, as in "He is a carpenter "by trade", but enjoys painting in his free time."

What's a good alternative to "by trade"?

Alternatives to "by trade" include "by profession", "occupationally", or "as a career", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "by trade" when referring to a hobby?

No, "by trade" refers to someone's profession or main occupation. Use phrases like "as a hobby" or "in their spare time" to describe hobbies instead.

What is the difference between "by trade" and "by profession"?

The phrases "by trade" and "by profession" are largely interchangeable. "By trade" may slightly imply a skill or craft acquired through practical work, while "by profession" might suggest formal training or qualifications, but the difference is subtle.