rather by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something was done in a particular way instead of another way. For example, "The tasks were completed rather by hand than with a machine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or rather by a political sleight of hand.

The Guardian - Opinion

edicts but, rather, by the scientists themselves and the public.

The New Yorker

It was advocated, rather, by his critic, John Locke.

The Washington Post

Herring's argument comes rather by way of indirection.

The New York Times - Books

Happily, and rather by accident, the debate has begun.

The New York Times - Sports

Clever stuff, which took Blair rather by surprise.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

edicts but, rather, by the scientists themselves — and the public.

The New Yorker

Demand for water will rise accordingly.Or rather, by more.

The Economist

Neither is judging the music on its merits, but rather by the stereotype it symbolizes.

Stanford University

He argued that human conflict was not caused by our differences, but rather by our sameness.

Stanford University

This layer is not laterally structured by lithography, but rather by nucleation or coalescence.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rather by", ensure that the contrast is explicitly stated or easily inferred from the context. This ensures that the reader understands the intended comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "rather by" when a simpler preposition like "by" or "through" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex and stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather by" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces an alternative means or method, emphasizing a contrast with another implied or stated approach. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, showcasing its role in specifying how an action is performed or a result is achieved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rather by" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce an alternative means or method, emphasizing a contrast. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While versatile, it's best used when a clear contrast is intended, and simpler alternatives may be preferable in more casual settings. Its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainly through

Suggests the most significant means of achieving something.

achieved through

Emphasizes the process by which a result is attained.

largely through

Indicates that something is mostly achieved by a specific method.

instead through

Focuses on the medium or method used instead of another.

primarily via

Indicates the main method or channel used.

principally through

Points to the most important way something is done or achieved.

more through

Emphasizes the degree to which something is achieved through a particular method.

accomplished via

Highlights the means by which a task or goal is completed.

more so by

Highlights a greater degree of influence or effect from a particular cause.

more by means of

Emphasizes the specific tools or methods employed.

FAQs

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

Use "rather by" to indicate a preferred or alternative means or method. For example, "Progress was achieved not by force, but "rather by" diplomacy".

What are some alternatives to "rather by"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "through", "via", "by means of", or "primarily through" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to use "rather by" when contrasting methods?

No, "rather by" is most effective when you want to emphasize a specific alternative. Sometimes, a simpler contrast using "instead" or a rephrased sentence can be clearer.

What's the difference between "rather by" and simply using "by"?

"Rather by" is used to highlight a contrast or preference, while "by" simply indicates the means. "The problem was solved by collaboration" indicates the method. "The problem was solved not by force, but "rather by" collaboration" emphasizes the chosen approach over another.