discover by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discover by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the means or method through which something is discovered. Example: "We can discover by analyzing the data collected from the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is almost certain that there is more to discover by individually examining DAF-16 targets identified by mRNA profiling.

Biogerontology

That's what I set out the discover by spending a year in Stoke-on-Trent.

Independent

He wants to discover by observation or exploration, but not to have to ask, a form of cheating.

The New Yorker

We discover by the end that Sanborn can't take it any more but that James is addicted to the adrenaline.

The Guardian - Opinion

I had experienced other food epiphanies in my own front-yard farm, and I knew that there was something to discover by spending time working on coffee farms.

The New York Times

Brian O'Driscoll will discover by 2.30pm today whether he will face disciplinary proceedings for his stamp on Simone Favaro in the 22-15 defeat.

Independent

There's no reason to think that the ideas of happiness we discover by empirical surveys are sufficiently well thought out to lead us to genuine happiness.

The New York Times

Yet as you quickly discover by reading his written annotations, almost every image comes with a back story that deepens and darkens it.

The New York Times - Arts

What can they discover by taking us that they couldn't discover simply by taking a small scraping of skin or a follicle of hair?

The New York Times

After all, the remedy is useful only if one's physician manages to discover, by showing a little interest, that you have agranulocytosis.

The New Yorker

My recipe for the perfect Christmas comfort read is when you discover by chance a book from childhood and devour it in a single sitting.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discover by", ensure the following phrase clearly specifies the method or action leading to the discovery. For example: "discover by analyzing data".

Common error

Avoid using "discover by" without explicitly stating the means of discovery. For instance, instead of saying "they will discover by themselves", specify "they will discover by experimenting with different approaches".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discover by" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the means or method through which something is discovered. It is often used to connect an action or process to the resulting discovery, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "discover by" is a grammatically sound and usable construction for indicating the method by which something is found or learned. Ludwig examples show it often connects a process with its outcome. While considered correct by Ludwig AI, it is relatively rare, primarily appearing in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, ensure the method of discovery is clearly specified to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find out through

Emphasizes the act of obtaining information via a particular channel or method.

learn by means of

Highlights the process of acquiring knowledge using a specific tool or approach.

ascertain through

Suggests confirming something as true by using an specific methodology.

determine via

Focuses on establishing something definitively through a particular route or method.

uncover by way of

Implies revealing something previously hidden through a certain process.

detect through

Highlights identifying something using a specific sensory or investigative method.

reveal through

Emphasizes making something known or visible through a certain action.

identify using

Focuses on recognizing or establishing something's identity by employing a particular tool or method.

realize through

Highlights achieving understanding as a result of a process.

find via

Simplest expression for discovering through a means.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "discover by" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can replace "discover by" with alternatives like "ascertain through", "determine via", or "uncover by way of". For example, instead of "discover by analyzing the data", try "ascertain through rigorous analysis".

What does "discover by" imply about the process of finding something?

The phrase "discover by" suggests that the finding is a result of a specific method or action, implying a deliberate or investigatory approach, rather than a random or accidental finding. It points out what the finding is because of.

Is there a difference between "discover by" and "find out through"?

While both phrases indicate a means of discovery, "discover by" often suggests a more formal or investigative approach, while "find out through" can be more informal and general. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

How to use "discover by" in a sentence?

Use "discover by" to connect a method or process to the act of finding something. For example: "Researchers can discover new treatments by conducting clinical trials" or "Students often discover their passions by exploring different subjects".