section by section

USAGE SUMMARY

"section by section" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to draw a comparison between different parts of a topic or things that have been discussed. For example, "We discussed the issue section by section and came to a mutually beneficial agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Section by Section Summary.

Cornell University

Section by section, the book succeeds beautifully.

The Guardian - Books

And so on, and so on, section by section.

The New Yorker

For termination of section by section 305(b) of Pub.

Cornell University

(f) of this section by section 107(f) of Pub.

Cornell University

For repeal of section by section 13 of Pub.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

• Section-by-Section: Download smaller files from FindLaw.

The Washington Post

Click here (pdf) for a section-by-section summary of the Kerry-Boxer bill.

The New York Times

The media lawyers eventually submitted a draft text and section-by-section analysis to the F.B.I.

The New York Times

Section-by-Section (PDF) – A two-page, section-by-section summary of the FAST Act.

Forbes

Here is a link to their 288-page bill and a section-by-section analysis of what's in it.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "section by section" to clearly indicate a structured and methodical approach when presenting information or analyzing a topic. This helps readers follow your thought process and understand the progression of your argument.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "section by section" excessively in very casual conversations. In such contexts, simpler alternatives like "one step at a time" or "gradually" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "section by section" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, indicating how an action is performed. It clarifies that something is done in a methodical, structured manner, addressing each part separately. Ludwig indicates its acceptance in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

20%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "section by section" is a versatile and commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates a methodical and structured approach. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently across various contexts, including news media, academic writing, and general usage. The phrase emphasizes thoroughness and orderliness, signaling a systematic approach to analyzing or presenting information. While "section by section" is generally appropriate for various registers, it’s advisable to use simpler alternatives in extremely informal settings to maintain a natural tone. Its high frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources confirm its reliability and widespread acceptance in written English. Ludwig gives insights into its application, reinforcing its grammatical soundness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

step by step

Focuses on sequential progression, emphasizing the order of actions more than the individual components.

point by point

Highlights a detailed analysis or response to individual arguments or items.

piece by piece

Emphasizes the gradual assembly or disassembly of something, often implying a physical object.

part by part

Similar to "piece by piece", but can also refer to abstract concepts or systems.

area by area

Implies a geographical or spatial progression, focusing on different regions or zones.

element by element

Highlights a focus on the individual components or constituents of something.

item by item

Indicates a methodical review or processing of individual items in a list or set.

stage by stage

Emphasizes the progression through distinct phases or stages of a process.

chapter by chapter

Specific to the review or analysis of written works, focusing on individual chapters.

incrementally

This alternative is a single word adverb that conveys a gradual progression, lacking the explicit separation implied by "section by section".

FAQs

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

You can use "section by section" to describe a methodical approach, such as, "We reviewed the report "section by section" to ensure accuracy".

What are some alternatives to saying "section by section"?

Alternatives include phrases like "step by step", "point by point", or "piece by piece", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "go through it section by section"?

While not strictly redundant, it can sometimes be more concise to simply say "go through it "section by section"". The "go through it" is often implied.

What is the difference between "section by section" and "chapter by chapter"?

"Section by section" is a more general term that can apply to any structured document or process, while "chapter by chapter" specifically refers to reviewing or analyzing a book or similar work.