show by action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show by action" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the importance of demonstrating something through behavior or deeds rather than just words. Example: "To truly understand the value of teamwork, we must show by action how we support one another in our projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The poster for the Viceland show hosted by Action Bronson showed the "rapper and bon vivant" holding a crepe beneath the overlaid text, "F*CK, THAT'S DELICIOUS".

The Guardian

In our study, the fact that responses in reaction time tasks were similar in general shape to those shown by actions performed close after SAS delivery, supports the idea that the influence of SAS in both, action and reaction, has to occur at a level where the two types of tasks coincide, out of cortical and basal ganglia processing.

BioMed Research International

In a terse statement to the press, President Fox said, "With this, we show by our actions, my government's commitment to the promotion and observance of human rights in our country".

The New York Times

Adam Harrison, senior policy adviser, added: "It is vitally important that all retailers and manufacturers show by their actions that they want to eliminate the negative impacts of our demand for palm oil".

Independent

"And we need our government to not only speak out against attacks on Muslims, but also show by their actions that they do indeed respect the rights and freedoms of American Muslims as part of the fabric of our country".

Huffington Post

"I want to tell our citizens in every part of the Nation that the national Congress – Republicans and Democrats alike – showed by this action a devotion to public welfare and a realization of the emergency and the necessity for speed that it is difficult to match in our history".

The New York Times

Antioxidants may protect against apoptotic cell death by preventing the loss of DNA repair proteins such as Ku70 and Ku80, as shown by the action of lycopene in pancreatic acinar cells [ 17].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

It is moreover unclear if the advantage shown by fast action gamers results from an increased ability to enhance relevant information or if they are better at suppressing irrelevant but distracting information.

Brain Topography

The DVD rolled over to another episode, and for the next half hour I watched the show by myself, the action punctuated by an occasional low moan from Syd Barrett.

The New Yorker

Politicians including the prime minister were highly visible during a Games that delivered the best British medal haul for more than a century, but practitioners such as Jon Glenn, head of youth and community at the Amateur Swimming Association, said: "The government needs to start showing by its actions that it values physical activity.

The Guardian

Over all, the negative reaction to the Iraqi declaration was an early vindication of the administration's strategy: allowing Mr. Hussein to show by his own actions that he will not give up his secret weapons peacefully.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "show by action", ensure that the actions you are referring to are clearly and directly related to the point you are trying to demonstrate. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific examples or context.

Common error

Avoid assuming that good intentions automatically translate to positive actions. Even if the aim is noble, it's crucial that the actions visibly and effectively demonstrate the desired outcome to truly "show by action".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show by action" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the means by which something is demonstrated or proven. Ludwig indicates that it's grammatically correct, serving to emphasize demonstrable behavior.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

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Encyclopedias

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Reference

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "show by action" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to emphasize the importance of demonstrating something through deeds rather than mere words. While Ludwig reports it as correct, the usage data indicates that is a missing phrase with no current examples, suggesting potentially rare usage. The contexts where it could appear range from science and media to business. Alternative phrases include "demonstrate through actions" and "prove by deeds". To effectively use the phrase, make sure actions are clearly linked to intentions. The absence of examples does not diminish its grammatical correctness but suggests that similar phrases may be preferred in contemporary writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate through actions

Focuses on the act of demonstration using actions, removing the direct 'show by' construction.

prove by deeds

Replaces 'show' with 'prove' and 'action' with 'deeds', highlighting accomplishment.

substantiate with actions

Uses a more formal verb 'substantiate' emphasizing a firmer confirmation through activities.

validate through behavior

Emphasizes the confirming aspect of actions through observed behavior.

confirm via actions

A shorter, more direct way to convey the confirmation achieved by one's actions.

illustrate with actions

Highlights the illustrative quality of actions, presenting them as examples.

express through behavior

Focuses on actions as a means of expressing an intention or feeling.

embody in practice

Suggests that actions are a tangible representation of a belief or principle.

act accordingly

This implies action is being taken as a result of something, effectively 'showing' a response.

walk the walk

An idiomatic expression that replaces 'show' and 'action' with a colorful and emphatic alternative.

FAQs

How can I /s/demonstrate+through+actions instead of just saying something?

Instead of merely stating your commitment, actively participate in related activities. For example, /s/prove+by+deeds your dedication to environmental protection by volunteering for a local cleanup or reducing your carbon footprint.

What does it mean to "show by action"?

To "show by action" means to demonstrate something through behavior or concrete steps, rather than just stating it verbally. It emphasizes the importance of backing up words with tangible efforts.

How is "show by action" different from simply 'doing'?

"Show by action" implies that the actions are specifically intended to demonstrate a belief, commitment, or skill. Simply 'doing' something may not have the same deliberate communicative purpose; "show by action" is about conveying a message through deeds.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "show by action"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the importance of tangible demonstrations over mere words. For example, you might say, 'The company needs to /s/substantiate+with+actions its commitment to sustainability, not just through press releases.'