by which much

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by which much" is not standard and may be confusing in written English.
It could be used in contexts where you are trying to express a means or method that involves a significant amount of something, but it lacks clarity. Example: "The process by which much is learned often involves trial and error."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The process by which much of the energy in foods is conserved and made available to the cell is called oxidative phosphorylation (see cellular respiration).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, the means by which much of the shale gas is being acquired, also raises questions about potential environmental effects like groundwater contamination, critics say.

The New York Times

It is also provides the images by which much of the outside world remembered her during those years peering over the high front-gate occasionally to wave and speak to cheering supporters.

The Economist

He has vocally criticized the funding process by which much wealthier museums receive large grants from New York (the Seaport Museum's city budget line is currently zero) and he has deplored other perceived slights to Lower Manhattan institutions.

The New York Times

The Dock Board formulated a plan, called Centroport U.S.A., by which much of the port's activities would be switched from the Mississippi River to wharves and industrial complexes along the Gulf Outlet and the river frontage thus retired from maritime use would be diverted to such projects as high-rise apartments and public recreation areas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"This exhibition is about Hitler and the Germans -- meaning the social and political and individual processes by which much of the German people became enablers, colluders, co-criminals in the Holocaust," said Constanze Stelzenm?r, a senior trans-Atlantic fellow with the German Marshall Fund of the United States in Berlin.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

By which time much of the world's coastline will be what we now call "inland".

The New York Times

Barack Obama ended the programme five years ago, by which time much of it had ceased to operate.

The Economist

Alan was in charge of the northern sports desk from 1968 to 1976, by which time much of the Guardian production had moved to London.

The Guardian

That contract was specifically cited in the Congressional request this week for an independent review of the procurement process by which as much as $25 billion could ultimately be awarded for reconstruction in Iraq.

The New York Times

The menace remains vague and unfocused until one major character makes a not entirely unexpected reappearance in the last act, by which point much of the tension has been lost.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by which much", ensure the context clearly indicates that a significant quantity or portion is being referred to. Consider whether alternative phrasings might provide greater clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "by which much" when a more direct and common phrase like "through which a significant amount" would improve readability. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound awkward and less clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by which much" functions as a relative clause introducing a method or process through which a considerable quantity or portion is affected. It modifies a preceding noun, specifying how something is influenced or achieved, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by which much" serves to introduce a method or process affecting a considerable quantity or portion. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig suggests that it isn't the clearest or most common phrasing. Alternative phrases like "through which a significant amount" are often preferable for improved readability. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, its usage leans towards a neutral to formal register. Ludwig's examples reveal that it describes mechanisms responsible for notable outcomes. Therefore, while correct, writers should consider whether a simpler phrasing could enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through which a significant amount

Replaces "much" with "a significant amount" for greater clarity.

by which a large portion

Substitutes "much" with "a large portion" emphasizing quantity.

by means of which a lot

Uses "by means of" for a more formal tone, replacing "much" with "a lot".

in which a great deal

Employs "in which" and "a great deal" for a more emphatic expression.

through processes that greatly affect

Rephrases to focus on processes with significant impact.

by what method a substantial part

Introduces "what method" for directness, emphasizing a substantial part.

via which a majority

Uses "via" for brevity and "a majority" to specify quantity.

by the agency of a considerable portion

Employs "by the agency of" for a more sophisticated tone.

by the route a large amount

Substitutes "route" for method, indicating a pathway for a large amount.

by what mechanism a considerable quantity

Uses "mechanism" to emphasize the process and "a considerable quantity" for amount.

FAQs

What does "by which much" mean?

The phrase "by which much" suggests a process or method through which a significant portion or amount of something is affected or achieved. It's often used to describe how a large part of something is influenced or accomplished. However, it may lack clarity and can often be replaced with simpler alternatives.

How can I rephrase "by which much" for better clarity?

You can use alternatives like "through which a significant amount", "by which a large portion", or "by means of which a lot" depending on the specific context.

Is "by which much" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly grammatically incorrect, "by which much" is not the most common or elegant phrasing. Ludwig AI suggests that it is acceptable but encourages considering clearer alternatives. Using clearer alternatives will make your writing more effective.

In what contexts is "by which much" most likely to appear?

Based on the provided examples, "by which much" can appear in news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedic entries. However, its usage is not confined to any specific domain, though more formal or technical writing might favor this construction.