by which means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by which means" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a method or device used to accomplish something. For example: "He was able to find the lost dog by which means he was eternally grateful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

So there are some changes in the bill, by which means the government hopes to satisfy the commission.

The Guardian - Opinion

Also, he said, "Being in the path of pedestrians, women run their diamond rings on it walking by, which means it needs to be repainted frequently".

The New York Times - Books

The wearer of the shield in effect became Perseus, gazing at the monster's reflection in the shield mirror, by which means he could escape the Gorgon's deadly gaze.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The seeds of many are sticky and adhere to the rocks and to the feet of birds, by which means they are distributed to new habitats.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Meanwhile, scientists are proving the truth of his boast of "a double set of electric wires" connecting him to Mr. Brain, "by which means I could, with the greatest ease and rapidity, tell him all the occurrences of the day as they arrived, and he also could impart to me his own feelings and impressions".

The New Yorker

However the victims are chosen, or by which means they die, and whether they are innocent children or civilian women or men who have taken up arms, it is a human tragedy of the most appalling proportions — one that the Obama Administration has proven incapable or unwilling to do much to alter.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

People are more inclined to use their porches if they can speak to passers-by — which means that the low traffic density makes the porches more desirable to use, because sitting on the porch isn't just a breath of fresh air; it's also a chance for conversation.

The New York Times

Good intelligence was thus hard to come by, which meant that military operations often missed their marks.

The New York Times

We denote the exterior derivative by for, which means (2.5).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

The government also supports the Music and Dance scheme by which means-tested pupils are financed at specialist schools such as the Menuhin and Purcell schools.

The Guardian - Opinion

Classes can be taught by anyone (which means you).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by which means" to clearly indicate the method or instrument used to achieve a particular result, enhancing clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "by which means" in casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "through which" or "using" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by which means" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. It specifies the method, instrument, or process through which a particular result is achieved. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

24%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by which means" functions as a formal way to describe the method or instrument used to achieve a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and is commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts. While effective for adding precision and clarity, it's best reserved for formal writing. For less formal situations, consider using alternatives like "through which" or "using". The phrase is grammatically sound, versatile across different contexts, and a valuable addition to a writer's toolkit for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whereby

A more formal and concise synonym, indicating a method or process.

through which

Focuses on the process or channel used to achieve a result, slightly more concise.

via which

A more concise alternative indicating the route or channel.

by what method

Emphasizes the specific approach or technique employed.

using which

Highlights the tool or resource utilized in the process.

through the use of

Emphasizes the employment of specific tools or resources.

in what way

Focuses on the manner or method in which something is accomplished.

by the agency of

Focuses on the entity or force that enables the action.

by virtue of which

Indicates that something is achieved due to a specific quality or power.

by instrumentation of

Highlights the use of specific instruments or tools in a process.

FAQs

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

Use "by which means" to introduce the method or tool that enables a specific outcome. For example: "The problem was solved "by which means" a new algorithm was developed".

What are some alternatives to "by which means"?

Alternatives include "through which", "using which", or "whereby". Choose the alternative that best fits the context and tone of your writing.

Is "by which means" suitable for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "by which means" tends to be more formal. Simpler alternatives like "through which" or "using" are often better suited for informal contexts.

What is the difference between "by which means" and "by means of"?

"By which means" introduces a relative clause specifying the method, while "by means of" is a prepositional phrase that generally introduces a noun or noun phrase. They are similar in meaning but differ in grammatical structure.