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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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obtained by

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtained by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something was acquired or achieved through a particular method. For example, "Success in this exam was obtained by diligent study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Information obtained by questionnaire method.

News & Media

The New Yorker

The files, obtained by the A.C.L.U.

News & Media

The New York Times

A recent document obtained by the A.C.L.U.

News & Media

The New Yorker

The video was obtained by the Sun.

News & Media

The Guardian

But a list obtained by the A.C.L.U.

News & Media

The New York Times

Tree topologies were obtained by ML analyses.

Science & Research

Nature

A copy was obtained by the Guardian.

News & Media

The Guardian

Passport photos obtained by The Washington Post.

The product was obtained by solvent evaporation.

Science & Research

Nature

resolution, obtained by X-ray analysis.

Science & Research

Nature

Neutrophils were obtained by density gradient centrifugation.

Science & Research

Nature
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obtained by", ensure the method or process is clearly stated to provide context and clarity to the reader. For instance, "The data was obtained by conducting a survey" is more informative than "The data was obtained".

Common error

Avoid using "obtained by" without specifying how something was obtained. Omitting the method can lead to ambiguity and weaken the statement. Instead of saying "Results were obtained", specify "Results were obtained using X-ray diffraction".

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

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtained by" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, indicating the method or means through which an action is carried out or a result is achieved. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, providing numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obtained by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to specify the method or process through which something is acquired. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread use across varied contexts. From academic research to news reports, this prepositional phrase provides transparency and clarifies how results were achieved or information was accessed. While it maintains a neutral to formal register, its presence in various sources underscores its versatility. Ensure that when using "obtained by", the method is clearly stated to prevent ambiguity.

FAQs

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

Use "obtained by" to indicate the method or process through which something was acquired or achieved. For example, "The evidence was "obtained by analyzing" the crime scene".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "obtained by"?

You can use alternatives such as "acquired through", "secured via", or "achieved through" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the results are obtained by"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, passive voice can sometimes be less direct. Consider rewriting as "We "obtained the results by"..." for a more active and engaging sentence.

What's the difference between "obtained by" and "obtained from"?

"Obtained by" refers to the method used, while "obtained from" refers to the source. For example, "Information was "obtained by surveying" residents" (method) versus "Information was "obtained from residents"" (source).

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Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: