stacked by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stacked by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe items or elements that are arranged or piled in a specific order or manner, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The books were neatly stacked by the window, creating a cozy reading nook."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yellow drums done up to look like nuclear-waste containers are stacked by the door.

The Economist

The tires were stacked by the road to replenish a burning barricade.

The New York Times

Computer servers, stacked by the thousands in big data centers, now consume worrisome amounts of electricity.

The New York Times

The credit card gift certificates are stacked by my elbow: five festively plumed birds.

The Guardian - Books

The wood stacked by the door, the tang of its sap still speaking of forest.

The New York Times - Books

Rusted metal beams, stacked by the dozen, leaned against the faded brickwork of the station.

The New York Times

This small tome of esoteric promise used to be stacked by the philosophy shelves.

The Guardian - Opinion

The house felt like an encampment: a stroller thrust aside, boxes stacked by the door.

The New Yorker

And he painted numbers on the sticks of firewood stacked by his door so he'd know if any were stolen.

The New Yorker

The headline on the newspapers stacked by the doorway announces an estimated 150 people killed in the Egyptian protests.

The New York Times - Magazine

Medicine donated by sympathizers arrived in shopping bags and was quickly sorted and stacked by a group of young pharmacists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stacked by" to clearly indicate a physical arrangement where items are placed one on top of another. For metaphorical uses, ensure the imagery aligns with the concept of layering or building upon something.

Common error

Avoid using "stacked by" when a more appropriate term like "influenced by" or "characterized by" would provide a clearer and more accurate description. The phrase is most effective when describing physical arrangements.

Linguistic Context

"Stacked by" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe how something is arranged or positioned. Ludwig indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English, supporting its grammatical validity. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing both physical arrangements and more abstract data organization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stacked by" is a versatile prepositional phrase primarily used to describe the physical arrangement of objects in a vertical manner. It can also be applied metaphorically to indicate organization or layering. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used in various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While generally neutral in register, careful consideration should be given to its precision in highly formal contexts. When a less vertically oriented or more precise word choice is required, consider alternatives such as "arranged by" or, for abstract concepts, "influenced by".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arranged by

Focuses on the order or method of placement, rather than just the physical stacking.

piled by

Emphasizes a less organized, more casual arrangement.

layered by

Highlights the formation of layers through the stacking process.

influenced by

Shifts the focus from physical arrangement to the impact or effect of something.

dominated by

Implies a controlling or prevalent presence, rather than simple stacking.

characterized by

Highlights a distinctive feature or quality instead of the arrangement.

bordered by

Indicates a boundary or edge created by something, rather than a vertical arrangement.

accompanied by

Focuses on something being together with something else and not on the arrangement.

surrounded by

Highlights an object or area being enclosed by other objects.

built upon

Signifies progress or accumulation, whether physical or metaphorical, rather than arrangement.

FAQs

How do I use "stacked by" in a sentence?

"Stacked by" is used to describe items arranged or piled one on top of another. For example, "The books were "stacked by" the fireplace" or "The data is "stacked by" category".

What can I say instead of "stacked by"?

Alternatives to "stacked by" include "arranged by", "piled by", or "layered by", depending on the specific context and the degree of order implied.

Is it appropriate to use "stacked by" in a formal context?

Yes, "stacked by" is suitable for formal contexts, especially when describing the physical arrangement of objects. However, for abstract concepts, consider if a more precise term like "influenced by" or "characterized by" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "stacked by" and "arranged by"?

"Stacked by" specifically implies a vertical arrangement, one item on top of another. "Arranged by", on the other hand, is a more general term that can refer to any organized placement, whether vertical, horizontal, or otherwise.