by which the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by which the" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used as a subordinate clause to provide additional information about the subject of a sentence. Example: The project was completed by the team, by which the company was able to increase its profits by 20%.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Rather, it is the mechanism by which the fittest survive.

The Guardian

This indicates the date by which the stones had fallen".

The Guardian

The amount by which the economy will contract this year.

The Guardian

There were several ruses by which the children were saved.

The New York Times

The Insider is written by Which?, the independent consumer champion.

Independent

The process by which the certificate is checked remains correct.

The Economist

The process is the same means by which the sun converts hydrogen to helium.

The New York Times - Arts

The defense brief outlines the standards by which the police can initiate such contact.

The New York Times

Herewith some of those jokes, by which the life of the jokester might be known.

The New York Times

An action provides the principles by which the story is structured into a plot.

The Guardian - Books

Then, they designated benchmarks by which the university's progress could be measured over the years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by which the", ensure that the clause clearly specifies the method, standard, or means by which something is accomplished. Clarity enhances the effectiveness of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "by which the" in overly casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "how" or "through" to maintain a natural tone. In general, "by which the" sounds a little bit too formal in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by which the" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. It modifies a noun, specifying the means, method, or standard related to the noun. Ludwig's examples show how it connects actions to their mechanisms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by which the" is a prepositional phrase that introduces relative clauses, clarifying the method or means by which something occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While common in formal writing, such as news articles and scientific reports, it may sound out of place in informal settings. Remember to use simpler alternatives in casual contexts. Consider alternatives like "through which the" or "whereby the" for nuanced meanings. Proper usage enhances clarity and precision in your writing. Examples from authoritative sources highlight its versatility in conveying complex information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through which the

This alternative emphasizes the passage or movement from one point to another, whereas "by which the" indicates method or means.

whereby the

This alternative is often used in legal or formal contexts to indicate how something is accomplished.

via which the

Similar to "through which the", but can imply a more direct or simple route.

by means of which the

This alternative is more formal and explicitly states that something is achieved through a particular method.

through the mechanism of which the

Emphasizes the specific process or system that enables something, adding a layer of detail.

according to which the

This phrase highlights a standard or guideline that is being followed, differing slightly from the more general sense of "by which the".

by virtue of which the

This phrase suggests something happens because of a specific quality or power, which is a more nuanced meaning.

in accordance with which the

A formal alternative that stresses compliance with specific rules or procedures.

by operation of which the

Suggests a more automated or systematic process, differing in focus from a general method.

under which the

This implies a set of conditions or circumstances, which is a contextual difference.

FAQs

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

"By which the" is typically used to introduce a clause that explains the means or method by which something is achieved. For example, "This is the process "by which the" certificate is checked."

What are some alternatives to "by which the"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "through which the", "by means of which the", or "whereby the" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "by which the" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "by which the" is generally considered formal and is more suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic writing. Simpler alternatives are preferred in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "by which the" and "through which the"?

"By which the" generally refers to the method or standard used, while "through which the" emphasizes the pathway or process. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the means or the route.