communicate by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "communicate by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when specifying the method or medium through which communication occurs, such as in formal or informal contexts. Example: "We can communicate by email to ensure a quick response."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most mammals communicate by scent.

The Economist

They seem to communicate by telekinesis.

The Guardian - Music

They communicate by whistling to each other.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"You communicate by looking at each other.

The New York Times

"We communicate by Skype," he said.

The New Yorker

The dancers communicate by actions alone.

The Guardian

Right now the E.I.D.C. and the city communicate by fax.

The New York Times

We were only able to communicate by sight".

The New York Times

Chimps communicate by embracing, patting, looking – all these things.

The Guardian

He barely spoke and would often communicate by pointing.

The New Yorker

He started to procrastinate and would only communicate by email.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying the method of communication, be precise to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "We can communicate", say "We can "communicate by" email for quicker responses".

Common error

Avoid using "communicate by" when a more specific verb would be clearer. For example, instead of "They "communicate by" speaking", use "They speak".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "communicate by" functions as a verb phrase followed by a preposition, indicating the method or means through which communication occurs. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, such as "communicate by email", "communicate by phone", or "communicate by writing notes". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "communicate by" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to specify the method or means through which communication occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. As seen in many examples in Ludwig, its versatility spans from describing animal communication to technological means, appearing most often in News & Media and Science sources. To enhance clarity and precision in writing, it is advisable to avoid redundancy and overgeneralization when using this phrase, and to consider more specific verbs when appropriate. For those seeking alternative expressions, options such as "convey through" or "transmit via" are available, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

convey through

Emphasizes the channel or medium used for communication.

transmit via

Focuses on the transmission method used to pass information.

express through

Highlights the act of expressing oneself using a particular means.

inform using

Stresses the use of a specific method to provide information.

correspond via

Indicates an exchange of communication through a particular channel.

signal by

Implies using a specific action or method to send a signal or message.

liaise through

Suggests establishing a connection or working relationship by means of a specific medium.

get in touch via

Focuses on establishing contact with someone through a specific means.

reach out using

Highlights the action of contacting someone using a particular method.

exchange messages through

Emphasizes the exchange of messages via a certain communication technology.

FAQs

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

You can use "communicate by" to specify the method used for communication. For instance, "We can "communicate by" phone or email".

What are some alternatives to "communicate by"?

Some alternatives include "convey through", "transmit via", or "express through", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "communicate by speaking"?

Yes, it's generally redundant. Simply using "speak" is more concise. For example, instead of "They "communicate by" speaking", just say "They speak".

When is it most appropriate to use "communicate by"?

It's most appropriate when you need to explicitly state the medium or method of communication, such as "State emergency officials can now also "communicate by" radio directly with local government workers".