chapter by chapter

USAGE SUMMARY

"chapter by chapter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is done or examined section by section, piece by piece, or incrementally. For example: "I read the book chapter by chapter until I understood the whole story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Chapter by chapter, I jumped constantly between the two.

The Guardian

He invents new predicaments, chapter by chapter, and resolves them.

The Guardian - Books

The substantive programs are set up chapter by chapter.

University of California, Berkeley

He proceeds, chapter by chapter, through what he's learned from authors from Chekhov to Welty.

The New Yorker

"He was writing chapter by chapter for newspapers," Mr. Cuse said.

The New York Times - Arts

Judicious editing might have removed some of the repetitions of fact that appear, chapter by chapter.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

I break the mistakes up chapter-by-chapter.

The New York Times

Regiomontanus's chapter-by-chapter commentary helped the next couple of generations learn their Ptolemy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For such a painstaking enterprise, omitting a chapter-by-chapter song list is unforgivable.

The New York Times

So I did what this book is begging us to do, and I made a chapter-by-chapter playlist.

The New Yorker

NIH provides a chapter-by-chapter summary of significant changes (Microsoft Word).

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chapter by chapter" to emphasize a sequential or methodical approach to understanding or analyzing something, especially when dealing with complex or lengthy material.

Common error

While "chapter by chapter" is useful for describing sequential analysis, avoid using it excessively in short texts where a simpler adverb like "gradually" or "sequentially" would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The adverbial phrase "chapter by chapter" modifies a verb, indicating how an action is performed. As Ludwig indicates, it signifies a sequential, methodical progression. Examples show it used to describe how books are read, reports are analyzed, or content is released.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chapter by chapter" serves as an adverbial modifier, indicating a sequential and methodical approach to an action or process. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly used in News & Media, Academia, and Science, it conveys a sense of order and thoroughness. While alternatives like "section by section" or "step by step" exist, "chapter by chapter" is particularly fitting when referencing a structured breakdown akin to the chapters of a book. Remember to use it judiciously, especially in shorter pieces, to avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

section by section

Emphasizes the division into sections and addressing each one in order.

step by step

Focuses on sequential actions, highlighting the individual steps taken.

stage by stage

Highlights a process divided into distinct stages.

bit by bit

Suggests a slower, more piecemeal approach.

piece by piece

Similar to bit by bit, highlighting individual components.

one by one

Focuses on individual items being addressed in sequence.

point by point

Emphasizes a detailed, itemized approach.

incrementally

Highlights the gradual or progressive nature of the process.

progressively

Similar to incrementally, but emphasizes forward movement.

in stages

Implies a phased approach to the overall process.

FAQs

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

You can use "chapter by chapter" to describe reading a book in sequence, analyzing a document methodically, or releasing content incrementally. For example: "We analyzed the report "chapter by chapter" to understand its implications."

What are some alternatives to "chapter by chapter"?

Alternatives include "section by section", "step by step", or "progressively", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "chapter by chapter" formal or informal?

"Chapter by chapter" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in analytical or descriptive writing, which often occurs in formal settings.

What does "chapter by chapter" emphasize in a narrative?

"Chapter by chapter" emphasizes the sequential progression of a story or analysis, allowing readers or analysts to grasp the development of events or ideas in a structured way.