colours by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "colours by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the method or style of coloring in art, design, or similar contexts. Example: "The artwork was created using various techniques, including watercolors and acrylics, with colours by nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Many species display bright colours by extending a throat fan or exposing a coloured patch of skin and engage in stereotyped movements such as push-ups, head bobbing, and tail waving.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are made in all colours by adding appropriate pigments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rainbows are produced when sunlight is diffracted into its component colours by water droplets.

Britannica

Hammers and sickles are daubed in lurid colours by the roadside.

The Economist

Psychedelia and Other Colours by Rob Chapman is published by Faber.

The Guardian - Music

Shot in bright colours by Roeg, the film captures the 60s' shallow glitter.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

My favourites are Sylvia Plath and Pablo Neruda but my all time favourite poem is "Colours" by Yevgeny Yevtushenko.

Vice

The manufacture of lake pigments from artificial colours / by Francis H. Jennison.

Yale University

3. Chromatics : or, the analogy, harmony, and philosophy of colours / by George Field.

Yale University

4. The art of landscape-painting in oil-colours / by Walter Tomlinson. 5. Miss Drury Lowes : list of colours.

Yale University

3. A handbook for painters and art students : on the character, nature, and use of colours... also short remarks on the practice of painting in oil and water colours / by William J. Muckley.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing art or design, use "colours by" to specify the technique or influence behind the color choices. For example: "The vibrant mural featured unique colour combinations by local artists."

Common error

Avoid using "colours by" when you actually mean "colored by". The phrase "colours by" usually indicates the agent or method creating the colors, not something receiving color. For example, it's more appropriate to say "The sky was colored by the sunset" rather than "The sky was colours by the sunset."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "colours by" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or verb. It specifies the agent, method, or influence responsible for the colors being described. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

27%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

17%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "colours by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates the agent, method, or influence responsible for the colors being described. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, noting it’s often found in British English. It serves the purpose of attributing color creation or selection to a specific source, be it an artist, a natural process, or a technique. As the examples show, the contexts range from encyclopedia articles to news reports, science and wiki, reflecting a neutral formality level. To use it effectively, ensure you're specifying the source of the colors, and avoid confusing it with the passive form "colored by", which describes something receiving color. The phrase's versatility makes it a valuable tool for detailed and descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

colored by

Replaces the British English spelling with American English.

painted by

Specifies the action of applying colors using paint.

tinted by

Indicates a slight coloration or shade influenced by something.

rendered in

Focuses on the medium or method used to depict colors.

hues from

Highlights the source or origin of the colors.

pigmented with

Emphasizes the use of pigments to create colors.

illustrated with

Indicates the use of colors in illustrations.

chromatic effects by

Highlights the chromatic effects caused by specific method.

produced using colours

States in a more verbose form the usage of colours to produce something.

variations in colour

Describes the variation of different colour shades.

FAQs

How is "colours by" used in a sentence?

Use "colours by" to indicate the method, artist, or influence that determines the coloring. For example: "The stained glass obtained brilliant "colours by" using nanoparticles."

What's a synonym for "colours by"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "painted by", "colored by", or "tinted by". Choose the option that best fits the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "colours by" grammatically correct?

Yes, "colours by" is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in British English, to indicate the agent or process responsible for the colors.

When should I use "coloured by" instead of "colours by"?

Use "coloured by" when describing something that receives color, as in "The scene was "coloured by" the setting sun". Use "colours by" when referring to the method or source creating the colors.