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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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is by default

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is by default" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is the standard or automatic condition unless specified otherwise. Example: "The software saves your settings is by default, so you don't have to worry about losing your preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everything else is by default of a lesser order.

The box is, by default, checked for Google Plus users.

News & Media

The New York Times

"I would say the only reason I signed is by default," Chavez said.

Second, that the great novelist is, by default, a great reader.

Any show devoted to Pissarro is by default an attempt at revising the Impressionist hierarchy.

News & Media

The New Yorker

MSNBC's election coverage is, by default, the political coverage of NBC News.

News & Media

The New Yorker

As a nation we've collectively endorsed the C of E, even if it is by default".

News & Media

The Guardian

They think anything that helps you to bypass institutions is, by default, empowering or liberating.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Members of the public are welcome: everyone is by default a member of the Art Party, said Smith.

News & Media

The Guardian

It is by default friendly to the opposition, if for no other reason than its willingness to air critical reports.

News & Media

The Economist

This Hunter show, unassuming as it is, is by default the largest display of the Met's Islamic collection in the city.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is by default" to clearly indicate a standard setting or behavior, especially in technical documentation or instructions. This avoids ambiguity about the initial state of a system or feature.

Common error

Don't use "is by default" when you mean something should be a certain way. "By default" indicates an existing state, not a desired one. For example, instead of saying 'Security should be by default enabled', say 'Security should be enabled by default' or, even better, use 'Security should be enabled automatically'.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is by default" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying the subject and indicating a standard or automatic state. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing how it clarifies default settings across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is by default" serves a crucial role in specifying the standard or initial state of a system, setting, or process. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and commonly used across various domains, including news, science, and technical documentation. It's essential to reserve this phrase for describing existing default states and avoid using it to express desired conditions. While versatile, choosing alternatives like "defaults to" or "comes standard with" can enhance clarity in certain contexts. The phrase sees high usage in contexts such as news and media. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase has a neutral register.

FAQs

How can I use "is by default" in a sentence?

Use "is by default" to indicate that a setting or configuration is the standard or automatic one, unless specified otherwise. For instance, 'The privacy setting "is by default" set to 'Public', but you can change it'.

What's a more formal way to say "is by default"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "defaults to", "is set as standard", or "comes standard with". For example, 'The software "defaults to" the metric system upon installation'.

Is there a difference between "is by default" and "by default"?

While both phrases refer to a standard setting, "is by default" includes a verb, making it suitable for use within a complete sentence. "By default" functions more as an adverbial phrase. Example: 'The application saves changes automatically "by default"'.

Can I use "is by default" to describe a desired state rather than an existing one?

No, "is by default" should only be used to describe existing, standard configurations. For desired states, use phrases like 'should be enabled by default' or 'ideally, it should be'. For instance, 'Ideally, two-factor authentication "should be enabled by default"'.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: