by wording

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by wording" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward in many contexts.
It could be used when discussing the manner in which something is expressed or phrased, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "The message was unclear, and I think it could be improved by wording it differently."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Democratic leaders sought to tap into voter anger by wording their letters to express their own outrage.

The New York Times

They were particularly gratified by wording that was added to the text last week to indicate that a diversity of opinion about the subject exists within the Reform rabbinate and to say explicitly that the conference will support those who do not officiate.

The New York Times

But by wording his amendment that way, the staffer says Smith got an opportunity to air his concerns about NSF spending on the House floor.

Science Magazine

Typically, this has been done though the insertion of finality or total ouster clauses into Acts of Parliament, or by wording powers conferred by Acts on decision-makers subjectively.

Wikipedia

We endeavoured to make this questionnaire as neutral as possible in its wording, in order to avoid biasing responses by wording that would encourage women to respond either positively or negatively.

BMC Women's Health

You can do this by wording it so you are the one responsible for communicating your point, rather than making the other person responsible for understanding you.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Simple word-by-word translation leads to absurdities.

The New Yorker

Q.24 I translate word-by-word.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

It reviews documents page-by-page, word-by-word.

Vice

All FGDs were audio-recorded and transcribed word-by-word.

BMC Family Practice

Avoid reading word-by-word.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, use "by wording" to emphasize the deliberate choice of specific words to convey a precise meaning. Consider alternative phrases like "by phrasing" or "through expression" for improved flow and readability.

Common error

Avoid overusing "by wording" in formal writing, as it can sound awkward. Prefer more common and natural alternatives like "by phrasing" or "in its wording" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by wording" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause, indicating the means or method by which something is accomplished. Ludwig examples show this phrase specifies how something is achieved through the way words are chosen and arranged.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by wording" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action or result is achieved through the specific choice and arrangement of words. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig suggests it's not as common as alternatives like "by phrasing". It's used across various contexts, including news, science, and general reference, but is considered uncommon. The phrase emphasizes the deliberate use of language to convey a precise meaning, but writers should be mindful of potential awkwardness and consider more natural alternatives for improved readability. Despite Ludwig AI's neutral assessment, the phrase is generally understood but may benefit from more common phrasing alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by phrasing

Focuses on the act of choosing specific words or arrangements of words to express something.

through expression

Emphasizes the act of conveying thoughts or feelings through language.

by formulating

Highlights the process of creating a specific statement or question.

through the choice of words

Directly mentions the selection of particular words to achieve a specific effect.

by drafting

Suggests the act of creating a written piece with careful attention to language.

in its wording

Similar meaning with an emphasis on the written form and structure.

by framing

Focuses on presenting information in a particular way to influence perception.

by styling

Conveys the idea of shaping a message or text with a specific style and effect.

by crafting

Implies creating a detailed statement with skillful use of language.

by designing

Highlights the process of planning and creating a textual element.

FAQs

How can I use "by wording" in a sentence?

Use "by wording" to indicate that something is achieved through the specific way words are chosen and arranged. For example, "Democratic leaders sought to tap into voter anger "by phrasing" their letters to express their own outrage."

What are some alternatives to "by wording"?

Alternatives include "by phrasing", "in its wording", or "through expression". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "by wording" formal or informal?

"By wording" leans towards a neutral to slightly formal register. However, it may sound less natural than alternatives like "by phrasing" in some contexts.

How does "by wording" differ from "by phrasing"?

While similar, "by wording" specifically highlights the selection and arrangement of individual words, while "by phrasing" refers more broadly to the way something is expressed.