process by which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'process by which' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to talk about a method or procedure used to accomplish something. For example: The process by which products are created and distributed has become increasingly efficient in recent years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reproduction, process by which organisms replicate themselves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Describes the agonizing process by which Carlyle rewrote his book.

The New Yorker

What is the process by which something becomes devalued?

The Guardian - Sport

The process by which teachers become leaders is unclear.

The Guardian

That is the process by which we do our work.

The Guardian

Process by which license is obtained is described.

The New Yorker

The process by which phagocytic cells remove dead cells.

Nature

And this, ultimately, hastens the process by which glaciers shrink.

University of California, Berkeley

What is the process by which we generate ideas?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cell division, the process by which cells reproduce.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Small surprise, considering the process by which they are elected.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for conciseness, consider alternatives such as "how" or "the way that" if the context allows. However, "process by which" offers a more formal and precise tone suitable for academic and professional writing.

Common error

Avoid using "process by which" in situations where simpler alternatives suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. For instance, instead of "the process by which the door opens", you could simply say "how the door opens".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "process by which" functions as a connector introducing a clause that explains the method or procedure involved in a particular action or event. It often clarifies how or in what way something occurs. Ludwig AI confirms this is suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "process by which" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase employed to describe methods or procedures, confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid overuse and opt for simpler alternatives when appropriate. Understanding its function and register, as well as related phrases, enhances clarity and precision in writing. Therefore, always evaluate whether the formality and explicitness of "process by which" is truly required, or whether a more straightforward alternative will best serve your purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mechanism through which

Replaces "process" with "mechanism" and "by" with "through", emphasizing a system or structure.

method by which

Substitutes "process" with "method", highlighting a specific way of doing something.

procedure by which

Replaces "process" with "procedure", focusing on a defined series of steps.

means by which

Substitutes "process" with "means", emphasizing the resources or actions used.

manner in which

Replaces "process by" with "manner in", focusing on the way something is done.

way in which

Similar to "manner in which", but using the more common word "way".

system through which

Replaces "process" with "system" and "by" with "through", indicating a set of interconnected elements.

the way that

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct construction, focusing on the manner of action.

how something is done

Rephrases the concept as a question of execution or implementation.

the method for

Replaces the phrase with a simpler structure focusing on the method or technique.

FAQs

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

You can use "process by which" to describe a series of actions or steps leading to a specific result. For example, "The "process by which" cells divide is called mitosis".

What are some alternatives to "process by which"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "how", "the way that", or "mechanism through which" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "process by which" formal or informal?

"Process by which" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, and technical writing. Simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for informal contexts.

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

While both phrases are similar, "process by which" is more common and generally preferred. "Process whereby" is often considered more archaic and less frequently used in modern English. They both describe a "method by which" something happens.