by which are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by which are" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a clause that explains the means or method by which something is done or achieved. Example: "The methods by which are employed in this study are innovative and effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It ranked them by which are judged to be the most vulnerable to members' switching to competitors' programs.

The New York Times

In Figure 4, the trellis diagram is preceded by and followed by which are two dummy nodes.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The photon trajectory is uniquely described by, which are scattering distance set, scattering zenith angle set, and scattering azimuth angle set for successive scatterings, respectively.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The method aims to obtain more accurate and more efficient identification results from the responses of bridge deck caused by vehicles passing by, which are known to be sensitive to ill-posed problems that exist in the inverse problem.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

For desire-based reasons theorists, normative talk, talk about (justifying) reasons, is effectively talk about desires, talk the beliefs we express by which are made true, if they are true, by facts about the desires of the people to whom we say reasons apply.

SEP

[Charles S. Peirce, 'The Logic of Quantity' (1893: 7.127)] "[We must distinguish between the category of Natural Frontiers and] the category of Artificial Frontiers, by which are meant those boundary lines which, not being dependent upon natural features of the earth's surface for their selection, have been artificially or arbitrarily created by man".

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The second is "best by", which is a communication from the manufacturer to the consumer.

Huffington Post

"In hiding," cracked a server who passed by, which was funny but then again not.

The New York Times - Food

Description of the process by which is converted into crude oil.

The New Yorker

Lots of locals stop by, which is why the food's so good.

The Guardian - Travel

The "Feed Me Now" option simply sorts the restaurants by which is closest.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by which are" to clearly link a method or process to a subsequent explanation or description.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "by which are" in informal contexts, as it can sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "that are" or "which are" in casual writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by which are" functions as a relative clause connector, specifically indicating the means or method by which something is accomplished. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in introducing clauses that further define or explain the preceding noun.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by which are" serves as a formal connector linking a noun to a descriptive clause, often detailing the methods or processes involved. Ludwig's analysis, based on a variety of sources, confirms its grammatical correctness but suggests that it's more appropriate for formal and scientific contexts. While it effectively adds precision, overuse can lead to a stilted tone, suggesting that alternatives such as "through which are" or "which are" may be more suitable in informal writing. The presence of this phrase in reputable sources such as The New York Times and scientific journals demonstrates its acceptability in academic and professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through which are

Emphasizes the channel or medium through which something passes or is accomplished.

by means of which are

Highlights the method or tool used to achieve a particular outcome.

whereby are

Indicates the method or process by which something is done or brought about.

according to which are

Specifies the rule or standard that governs a particular action or decision.

in accordance with which are

Stresses the compliance or conformity with a set of principles or guidelines.

by virtue of which are

Implies that something is a consequence or result of a particular quality or power.

on the basis of which are

Focuses on the foundation or rationale upon which something is based.

in terms of which are

Defines the framework or perspective from which something is considered or analyzed.

by reason of which are

Highlights the cause or justification for a particular event or situation.

dependent on which are

Indicates the conditions or factors that determine or influence a specific outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "by which are" in a sentence?

"By which are" is used to connect a noun phrase to a relative clause that describes a method or means. For example: "The methods "by which are" employed in this study are innovative."

What are some alternatives to "by which are"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "through which are", "by means of which are", or simply "which are".

Is it always appropriate to use "by which are" in formal writing?

While generally suitable for formal writing, consider your audience. In some cases, a more straightforward construction might be preferable for clarity and conciseness. Opt for alternatives such as "that are" when appropriate.

What is the difference between "by which are" and "which are"?

"By which are" specifically indicates a method or means, whereas "which are" introduces additional information or describes attributes. "By which are" is more specific in its causal or instrumental implication.