Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.
Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
is by default
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Everything else is by default of a lesser order.
News & Media
The box is, by default, checked for Google Plus users.
News & Media
"I would say the only reason I signed is by default," Chavez said.
News & Media
Second, that the great novelist is, by default, a great reader.
News & Media
Any show devoted to Pissarro is by default an attempt at revising the Impressionist hierarchy.
News & Media
MSNBC's election coverage is, by default, the political coverage of NBC News.
News & Media
As a nation we've collectively endorsed the C of E, even if it is by default".
News & Media
They think anything that helps you to bypass institutions is, by default, empowering or liberating.
News & Media
Members of the public are welcome: everyone is by default a member of the Art Party, said Smith.
News & Media
It is by default friendly to the opposition, if for no other reason than its willingness to air critical reports.
News & Media
This Hunter show, unassuming as it is, is by default the largest display of the Met's Islamic collection in the city.
News & Media
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'.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
defaults to
Replaces the entire phrase with a verb-centric construction.
is set as standard
Emphasizes the standard nature of the setting.
is the standard setting
Focuses on the setting being the normal or usual one.
is the automatic setting
Stresses the automatic nature of the setting.
comes standard with
Highlights that something is included in the standard configuration.
is pre-configured as
Highlights that the configuration is done in advance.
is the factory setting
Specifies that the configuration is the one set by the manufacturer.
is enabled automatically
Focuses on automatic activation.
operates automatically
Indicates that the action happens without needing user intervention.
normally
Replaces the phrase with an adverb that communicates typical behavior.
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"'.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested