by wreaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by wreaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe causing or inflicting something, often in a negative or destructive manner. Example: "The storm caused chaos in the city by wreaking havoc on the infrastructure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This pressure is "damaging society" by wreaking havoc with self-esteem and affecting progress at school and work.

The Guardian

She deals with the trauma of having caused her mother's death when she was a child by wreaking havoc on the lives of everyone around her.

The Guardian - Books

We have heard lots of rumors about this sequel, which all have to do with the notion of turning the Vietnam syndrome on its head so that finally we Americans will be "standing tall" once again and expressing our righteous anger by wreaking havoc on the enemy.

The New Yorker

They had learned, in part from the German bombing of Coventry, in 1940, that long-term damage could be more efficiently inflicted by wreaking havoc on the dense networks of city centers than by trying to pinpoint targets like oil depots or munitions factories.

The New Yorker

1f6b00fd-88f8-4199-b0d0-5986b6e89cd9 ALMATY, Kazakhstan — Sitting before some editing banks on the second floor of a nightclub here, a Kazakh director named Erkin Rakishev described the weighty task ahead: defending the honor of all Kazakhs by wreaking revenge on the odious movie "Borat".

The New York Times

Over-fishing and pollution also significantly harm coastal regions by wreaking havoc on the ecosystem.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I'm saying that either Paul Ryan and his House colleagues, blinded by ideology, are wreaking havoc on their party's prospects, or they aren't, and they're not.

The Economist

One year later John DiLulio, another political scientist who studies crime, warned of a wave of "juvenile super-predators" wreaking havoc by 2010.

The Economist

The past few years have seen the best and brightest, obsessed by clever academic models, wreaking havoc in one area after another.

The Economist

Many native Turkish Cypriots have emigrated, replaced by settlers from Anatolia, wreaking havoc on age-old demographic patterns.We prefer "occupied Cyprus" or similar terms.

Forbes

So when you don't get enough sleep, the toxic proteins remain in your brain cells, wreaking havoc by impairing your ability to think — something no amount of caffeine can fix," Bradberry wrote.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by wreaking" to emphasize the method through which damage or chaos is being inflicted. It often adds a stronger, more vivid tone than simpler alternatives like "by causing".

Common error

Avoid using "by wreaking" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral or precise term might be preferred. Consider using "by causing" or "through generating" for a less dramatic effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by wreaking" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the method or means by which an action (often destructive) is carried out. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe causing or inflicting something, usually in a negative way.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

16%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by wreaking" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe the method through which damage or disruption occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its function in expressing cause and effect, particularly emphasizing the destructive nature of the action. While less common than simpler alternatives like "by causing", "by wreaking" adds a distinct vividness and intensity to writing. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business and Science contexts. To enhance your writing, consider using it when you wish to underscore the destructive method involved. But it's better avoid overusing it in formal writing in favor of a more neutral expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through causing

Emphasizes the instrumentality of causing something.

by inflicting

Highlights the act of imposing damage or harm.

by creating

Focuses on the act of bringing something (usually negative) into existence.

by generating

Suggests a more indirect way of causing something to happen.

through unleashing

Implies a release of pent-up force or energy.

by instigating

Highlights the role of initiating or provoking something.

by sparking

Suggests the action triggers a sudden event.

via producing

Focuses on how it's being obtained.

by bringing about

Highlights the result of the process.

by engineering

Implies a deliberate and strategic action.

FAQs

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

Use "by wreaking" to describe an action that results in significant damage or disruption. For example, "The flood caused chaos in the city "by wreaking havoc" on the infrastructure".

What are some alternatives to "by wreaking"?

You can use alternatives such as "by causing", "through inflicting", or "by creating" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "by wreaking havoc"?

Yes, the phrase ""by wreaking havoc"" is a common and idiomatic expression that means to cause widespread destruction or disruption.

What's the difference between "by causing" and "by wreaking"?

"By causing" is a general term for bringing about an effect. "By wreaking" implies a more forceful and destructive action, often leading to chaos or significant damage.