by using them to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by using them to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining the method or means by which something is accomplished or achieved. Example: "We can improve our productivity by using them to streamline our workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The usefulness of the model and the process are validated by using them to generate a software product line of Tree Stem Deformation (TSD) meshing tools.

Advances in Engineering Software

You can also accelerate the transition to renewables by using them to power your home or business.

The Guardian

But he went further than many lawyers do by using them to decide whether to accept a case at all.

The New York Times

It co-opts the benevolence of hosts by using them to drive traffic to an ad platform.

The New York Times - Magazine

Just Folk Ever since the colonial era, American artists without academic training have turned ordinary materials into the extraordinary by using them to record aspects of daily life.

The New York Times - Arts

Some physicians worry that hospital administrators will abuse the stricter codes of conduct by using them to get rid of doctors who speak out against hospital policies.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

While simulation can be insightful, the only true means for verifying the performance provided by HVAC controllers is by actually using them to control an HVAC system.

Energy and Buildings

Hevesi often referred to the charges made by Spitzer, using them to further his argument that the racing association needs to be reformed.

The New York Times - Sports

These questionnaires collect information on how service quality is perceived by those using them, to further determine aspects of client satisfaction with the way services are delivered.

BMC Health Services Research

An individual shows he (or she) has resources to burn whether those are biochemical reserves, time or, in the human instance, money by using them to make costly signals.

The Economist

The druggability of the top 18-ranked proteins was assessed by using them as queries to scan a set of 305 protein drug complex structures.

Bioinformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about processes, use "by using them to" to clearly explain how specific tools or methods contribute to achieving a particular outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "by using them to" in simple sentences where direct verbs are more effective. For example, instead of "He fixed the car by using tools to tighten bolts", write "He fixed the car by tightening bolts with tools".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by using them to" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a gerund phrase, indicating the method or instrument employed to achieve a specific action or outcome. Ludwig examples illustrate various applications of this construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by using them to" serves as a versatile grammatical tool for clearly articulating the method or instrument employed in achieving a particular action or outcome. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including science, news, and formal writing. When writing, remember that while generally acceptable, the phrase may sound awkward if overused in very simple sentence constructions, so restructure them to maintain clarity. When exploring alternatives to "by using them to", consider options such as "through their use for" or "by applying them to", each offering nuances in formality or emphasis. This versatility positions the phrase as a valuable component of effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utilizing them to

Synonymous, but replaces "using" with the slightly more formal "utilizing".

through their use for

Replaces "by using" with "through their use", simplifying the structure.

by applying them to

Focuses on the application aspect rather than general use.

leveraging them to

Uses "leveraging" instead of "using", implying strategic advantage.

by implementing them for

Emphasizes the action of implementing the items.

through their utilization for

Replaces "by using" with "through their utilization", adding formality.

by harnessing them to

Suggests a more active and controlled use of the items.

via their employment in

Replaces "using" with "employment", making the phrase more concise and professional.

by means of their application to

Substitutes "using" with "means of their application", creating a more formal tone.

by exploiting them to

Emphasizes the advantageous use of the items, sometimes with a connotation of opportunism.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "by using them to" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "through their use for", "by applying them to", or "leveraging them to" depending on the context.

Is "by using them to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "by using them to" is grammatically correct. It's a common construction used to explain the means by which something is achieved. Ludwig AI confirms this.

What is the difference between "by using them to" and "by using it to"?

"By using them to" refers to using multiple items or tools, while "by using it to" refers to using a single item or tool. The choice depends on whether you are referring to a plural or singular subject.

Can I start a sentence with "by using them to"?

While grammatically possible, starting a sentence with "by using them to" can sound awkward. It's often better to restructure the sentence for clarity. For example, instead of "By using them to analyze data, we improved our strategy", write "We improved our strategy by using them to analyze data".