procedure by which

USAGE SUMMARY

"procedure by which" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to any organized system of steps or regulations. For example, "The procedure by which applications are processed is extremely thorough and precise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First is the procedure by which they are imposed.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We do not trust the procedure by which the jurors were selected so frenetically and rapidly".

The Guardian

The committee also agreed a procedure by which those charged with potential contempt could hear the potential charges against them.

The Guardian

There is also no set procedure by which the buildings department alerts the commission when someone seeks a permit to strip off architectural detail.

The New York Times - Arts

That was the procedure by which phones were hacked, said Edis, adding: "So he is telling Ian Edmondson how to phone hack Fred Windsor, we say".

The Guardian

The House debated the bill, and the procedure by which it was brought to the floor, for several hours Thursday.

The New York Times

Furthermore, says Dr Chandler, the public procedure by which marine reserves are designated as such causes delays.

The Economist

Motion, in parliamentary rules of order, a procedure by which proposals are submitted for the consideration of deliberative assemblies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Safe-conduct, procedure by which a person is permitted to enter or leave a jurisdiction in which he would normally be subject to arrest, detention, or other deprivation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Moreover, the method of proof also yields a procedure by which every sentence of the predicate calculus can be correlated with one in the simple form given above.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The court flourished in the 17th century until the Civil Wars (1642 51), when the procedure by which it operated was abolished.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "procedure by which", ensure that the subsequent clause clearly and specifically explains the process being described. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid unnecessarily complex sentences when using "procedure by which". Opt for clear, direct language to prevent the sentence from becoming convoluted. For example, instead of writing "The excessively complex procedure by which the data was analyzed proved to be quite challenging for the team", write "The team found the data analysis procedure challenging because it was too complex".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "procedure by which" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a subordinate clause explaining the means or steps through which something is accomplished. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "procedure by which" is a versatile construction used to describe a process or method. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, science, and encyclopedic content. Its function is to provide a detailed explanation, and its register is typically neutral to formal. When using "procedure by which", clarity and specificity are crucial for effective communication. Consider alternatives like ""methodology by which"" or ""process by which"" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

methodology by which

Replaces "procedure" with "methodology", emphasizing a structured approach.

process by which

Substitutes "procedure" with "process", highlighting a sequence of actions.

manner by which

Replaces "procedure" with "manner", focusing on the way something is done.

means by which

Replaces "procedure" with "means", indicating the resources used.

mechanism through which

Replaces "procedure by which" with "mechanism through which", focusing on identifying the system that causes the effect.

system through which

Replaces "procedure by which" with "system through which", focusing on identifying the structured set of elements.

technique by which

Substitutes "procedure" with "technique", highlighting a specific skill or method.

avenue by which

Substitutes "procedure" with "avenue", implying a pathway or route.

route by which

Replaces "procedure" with "route", suggesting a course to follow.

formula by which

Replaces "procedure" with "formula", which focus on the algorithm and steps to make something happen.

FAQs

How can I use "procedure by which" in a sentence?

Use "procedure by which" to describe a specific process or method. For example, "The "procedure by which" the application is processed involves several stages of review".

What are some alternatives to "procedure by which"?

Alternatives include "methodology by which", "process by which", or "manner by which". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "procedure by which" or a simpler phrase?

While "procedure by which" is grammatically correct, consider whether a simpler phrase would enhance clarity. For example, instead of "the procedure by which we collect data", you might say "our data collection method".

What's the difference between "procedure by which" and "process by which"?

While similar, "procedure" often implies a formal, regulated set of steps, whereas "process" can refer to a more general sequence of actions. You might use ""procedure by which"" when referring to a legal or official process, and ""process by which"" for a natural or less formal sequence.