by writing

USAGE SUMMARY

"by writing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action such as when someone conveys information or expresses ideas by writing them down. For example, "She shared her most intimate thoughts by writing them in her journal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bored by writing notes.

The Guardian - Books

"Getting to know someone by writing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Admission by writing sample.

Columbia University

… by writing to [email protected]@theguardian.com

The Guardian - Sport

I supported myself by writing.

The New York Times

Or else by writing potboilers.

The Guardian - Books

Subscribe by writing to medici.tv.

Yale University

Start by writing your "from/to" statements.

Harvard Business Review

Dr K responded by writing: "Yep.

The Guardian

By writing about perception, he changed ours.

The Guardian - Books

(He compensated by writing lots of them).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by writing" to clearly indicate that an action or result is achieved through the process of writing. For example, "He improved his communication skills by writing daily in a journal."

Common error

Avoid using "by writing" when a more specific verb would be clearer and more impactful. Instead of saying "The author made a statement by writing", consider "The author argued" or "The author asserted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by writing" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the means or method by which an action is performed. The examples show it clarifying how something is achieved, expressed, or communicated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by writing" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action is accomplished through the process of writing. It is grammatically correct and widely used across different contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While "by writing" is generally suitable for both formal and informal communication, be mindful of potential overuse and consider more specific verbs for clarity. Remember that "by writing" focuses on the act of writing as a means, while "in writing" describes something that is already written. The phrase is very common, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through writing

Emphasizes the act of writing as a means of achieving a specific outcome.

by means of writing

A more formal way of saying "by writing", emphasizing the method used.

via written communication

Highlights the formal aspect of using writing for communication.

using written language

Emphasizes the tool being used: written language.

in written form

Focuses on the state of being written, rather than the act of writing.

with the written word

Highlights the power and impact of written words.

through the medium of writing

Highlights writing as a specific channel of communication.

by putting pen to paper

A more figurative way of saying "by writing", focusing on the physical act.

inscribed

Focuses on the action of writing something down.

drafting

Focuses on the planning and creation stage of writing.

FAQs

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

You can use "by writing" to indicate that something is achieved through the act of writing. For instance, "She improved her grammar "by writing" regularly" or "He expressed his feelings "by writing" poetry".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "by writing"?

Alternatives include "through writing", "via written communication", or "in written form", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate substitute.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "by writing"?

While generally correct, overuse of "by writing" can make your writing sound clunky. Sometimes, a more direct verb is preferable. For instance, instead of "He communicated his concerns "by writing" a letter", you could say "He conveyed his concerns "by writing" a letter" or even "He wrote a letter expressing his concerns".

What's the difference between "by writing" and "in writing"?

"By writing" emphasizes the action of writing as a means to achieve something, whereas "in writing" refers to something that is already written down. For example, "He conveyed his message "by writing" a note" (action) versus "The agreement was made "by writing"" (state of being written).