operating by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "operating by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the method or means by which something functions or is conducted. Example: "The company is operating by a strict set of guidelines to ensure quality and efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That fund could be operating by July.

The New York Times

Operating by Any Means Necessary.

The New York Times - Books

It is expected to be operating by early 2002.

The New York Times

"At the first position I was basically operating by vibes.

The Guardian

He wanted the theaters operating by Sept. 13.

The New York Times

The exchange is expected to begin operating by midyear.

The New York Times

The court is expected to be operating by January.

The New York Times

Mr. Baroni said it could be operating by 2013.

The New York Times

MetalSpectrum will be based in Atlanta and is expected to be operating by September.

The New York Times

Mr. Brown said he hoped the bottling plant would be operating by early next year.

The New York Times

Now, the proposed fund could begin operating by the end of December, this person said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "operating by", ensure the context clearly indicates the method, rule, or principle guiding the action. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "operating by" when you simply mean "using". "Operating by" implies a system, principle, or rule is in place, not just a tool or resource.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "operating by" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the method, rule, or principle that governs an action or process. Ludwig provides many examples demonstrating this function, confirming its validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "operating by" is a frequently used prepositional phrase that clarifies the method or principle guiding an action. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, especially in news and media. When writing, remember to use "operating by" when specifying a system, rule, or code that governs the action, and avoid overgeneralizing its meaning. Consider alternatives such as "guided by" or "functioning through" to refine your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functioning through

Emphasizes the process or mechanism through which something operates.

working under

Focuses on adherence to a specific set of rules or conditions during operation.

guided by

Highlights the principles or guidelines that influence the operation.

controlled via

Stresses the method used to govern or direct operations.

based on

Indicates the foundation or reasoning behind how something operates.

run by

Suggests management or administration as the means of operation.

acting according to

Highlights adherence to a set of rules or standards.

utilizing

Focuses on using something to achieve its function.

employing

Emphasizes the application of resources or techniques.

utilizing a system of

Emphasizes that operations are based on a structured methodology.

FAQs

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

Use "operating by" to show that something is functioning according to a particular method, rule, or system. For example, "The company is operating by a strict code of ethics."

What can I say instead of "operating by"?

You can use alternatives like "guided by", "functioning through", or "working under" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "operating by" or "operating under"?

Both "operating by" and "operating under" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Operating by" suggests following a specific principle or method, while "operating under" often implies working within a set of rules or conditions.

Is "operating by" formal or informal?

"Operating by" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.