by used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'by used' is not correct.
The correct phrase would be 'by use.' For example, "The door was opened by use of a key."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Indeed, only one of six letter writers reached last night said he knew the letter might by used in connection with Mr. Rich's legal problems.

The New York Times

A simplified lung ultrasound approach can by used as a reliable noninvasive bedside tool to predict EVLW in emergency and critically ill patients.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

It depends, of course, when you mean by "used to be".

The Guardian - Sport

The now notori ous installation, My Bed is accompanied by used condoms, used tampons, empty vodka bottles.

The Guardian - Arts

Genetic programming is trained by used practical mining induced surface movement data.

International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences

There is a variety of MCDM methods of solving decision related problems that can by used.

Procedia Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Mr Ison made it to shore, where passers-by used surfboard ropes to tie a tourniquet around his leg.

Independent

BMW owners were regarded as the worst drivers, a poll by used-car website Compucars.co.uk showed.

Independent

At Autotrader.com, where all but about 300,000 of the listings were placed by used-car dealers, my privately owned vehicle might have gotten more attention.

The New York Times - Tech

They are smuggled into the country by used-car dealers who sell them on at home at a huge mark-up.

The Guardian

A modest pink neon sign that said, simply, "Florent" appeared in the window, and strings of multicolored light bulbs, like the ones favored by used-car dealers, were strung rather haphazardly over the entry.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always ensure the verb following "by" is in the gerund form (e.g., "by using") or replace "by used" with a grammatically correct alternative like "through the use of".

Common error

Avoid using "by used" when you intend a passive construction. Instead, use "was used" or "is used" to properly convey passive voice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by used" is typically intended to function as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, indicating the means or method by which an action is performed. However, as noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase itself is grammatically incorrect, requiring correction to convey its intended meaning effectively.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by used" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct form typically involves using the gerund form of the verb (e.g., "by using") or restructuring the sentence. While "by used" appears across various contexts, including science and news media, its incorrect usage undermines clarity and credibility. When aiming to express how something is achieved, consider alternatives such as "through the use of", "using", or "by means of". Always ensure correct grammar to maintain a professional and accurate tone, especially in formal or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

using

A simpler and more direct way to express the same action or method.

by utilizing

Similar to "using" but emphasizes the effective or strategic employment of something.

employing

A more formal synonym for "using", often found in technical or academic contexts.

through the use of

Replaces "by used" with a more formal and grammatically correct phrase.

making use of

Highlights the act of taking advantage of something available.

by means of

A more elaborate and formal way to say "by", emphasizing the method.

via

A concise preposition indicating the means or intermediary.

with the aid of

Highlights the assistance or help provided in performing an action.

leveraging

Implies using something to its maximum advantage.

through application of

Focuses on the practical implementation or deployment of a method or tool.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "by" followed by a verb?

When using "by" followed by a verb, the verb should typically be in its gerund form (i.e., ending in -ing). For example, "The problem was solved by using a new algorithm."

What are some alternatives to the incorrect phrase "by used"?

Instead of "by used", you can use phrases like "through the use of", "using", or "by means of" to express how something is done.

Is "by used" ever grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "by used" is generally grammatically incorrect. The correct form would typically involve a gerund (e.g., "by using") or a different preposition altogether.

How can I avoid errors when trying to use "by" to describe a method or action?

To avoid errors, ensure that the verb following "by" is in the gerund form (e.g., "by analyzing") or consider restructuring the sentence to use phrases like "through the application of" or "with the help of".