by what method

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'by what method' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to ask how something is done or how something happened. For example: "We're trying to figure out how best to handle the situation, so could you explain by what method you would approach it?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Then, for each situation, answer the following questions: By what method is this leader chosen?

The New York Times

Mr. Morrell declined to say by what method the troop request would be sent to Mr. Gates.

The New York Times

By what method, one wonders, could a man so disinclined to get to know other people substantiate an allegation about the majority of humanity?

The New Yorker

The steak is "cut and cooked," and although it's not clear by what method, Stubb isn't happy with the results and berates the ancient cook.

The New York Times - Books

The main test of admissibility has been relevance and first-hand [p72] knowledge, not by whom or by what method proffered evidence was obtained.

Cornell University

4. Complete the subscription form, deciding how often you want to receive notices, by what method, and most importantly, at what water level.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

We know who dies, and how, and by what methods.

The New Yorker

Just look at who is trying to stop Iraqis voting and by what methods.

The Guardian

As a result, socialist planners often had no way to know what to produce, by what methods, or in way quantities.

The Washington Post

The question here is this: once the bullets are flying and you are a belligerent, by what methods and weaponry is it legitimate to wage your war?

The Economist

This raises two significant questions for the field: to what extent have previous multivoxel discriminations in the literature been driven by RT differences, and by what methods should future studies take RT and other confounds into account?

NeuroImage

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by what method", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are inquiring about. For example, instead of just asking "By what method?", specify "By what method was the data collected?" to provide clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "by what method" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In less formal settings, consider using alternatives like "how" or "what way" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by what method" functions as an interrogative adverbial phrase. It is used to inquire about the process, technique, or way in which something is done or achieved. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by what method" serves as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about specific processes or techniques. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for written English. While versatile, it is generally favored in formal and professional settings, as evidenced by its prevalence in news, academic, and scientific sources. Alternatives like "how was it done" or "what way" may be more appropriate for informal communication. Remember to use "by what method" when precise understanding of a process is required, and avoid overuse in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how is it done

Focuses on the general process without specifying the agent or tool.

by what means

Emphasizes the resources or instruments used in the process.

through which process

Highlights the sequential steps involved.

using what technique

Specifies a focus on the technical skills or procedures applied.

via which route

Implies a specific path or channel through which something is accomplished.

in what manner

Asks about the style or way something is performed.

by what mechanism

Highlights the underlying system or operation that makes something happen.

what procedure is followed

Emphasizes adherence to a specific, established set of actions.

how was it achieved

Focuses on the accomplishment and the steps taken to reach it.

what approach was taken

Refers to the overall strategy or perspective used.

FAQs

How can I use "by what method" in a sentence?

Use "by what method" to inquire about the process or means used to achieve something. For example: "By what method was the sample obtained?"

What's a more casual way to ask "by what method"?

Alternatives include "how was it done" or "what way", which are suitable for informal contexts.

Is "by what method" the same as "by what means"?

While similar, "by what method" generally refers to a specific procedure or technique, while "by what means" can refer to the resources or instruments used.

When is it appropriate to use "by what method" over simpler alternatives?

"By what method" is most appropriate in formal writing or when a precise understanding of the methodology is required. In less formal settings, simpler phrasing may be preferable.