system by which

USAGE SUMMARY

"system by which" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a system that performs a specific purpose or produces a particular outcome. For example, "We are introducing a new system by which employees can track and report their progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The current system by which Westminster conducts itself is unsustainable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their paper describes the natural system by which brown fat cells are generated from their precursors.

The New York Times - Science

The problem is the whole system by which campaigns are financed.

The New York Times

Government, the political system by which a country or community is administered and regulated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Feudal land tenure, system by which land was held by tenants from lords.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human reproductive system, organ system by which humans reproduce and bear live offspring.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That meant creating a system by which all those elegant barges could transfer their loads for transit to other states.

The New York Times

So the family developed a system by which emergency personnel could telephone 24 hours a day to get information.

The New York Times

They had a system by which a pattern of keys could produce an entire word at once.

The Guardian

A hint of this exclusivity lingers in the highly regimented system by which fishing here is regulated.

The New York Times - Sports

No, what is really needed is to reform the whole compartmentalised system by which pay is currently determined in Britain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "system by which" to clearly define a process or method that achieves a specific outcome. Ensure the description following the phrase is specific and explains the workings of the system.

Common error

Avoid creating convoluted sentences when using "system by which". Ensure the sentence remains clear and concise by placing the phrase close to the subject and verb it modifies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "system by which" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically acting as an adjective modifying a noun (often another noun or noun phrase). It introduces a relative clause that describes the specific mechanism or process by which something is accomplished. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "system by which" is a versatile and grammatically correct construct used to articulate the specific methods and processes employed to achieve a desired outcome. As verified by Ludwig AI, its frequent appearance across diverse contexts, from news and media to encyclopedias and scientific publications, underscores its widespread acceptance and utility. It's important to remember that while "system by which" is suitable for neutral to formal writing, simpler alternatives may be preferred in informal contexts. Clear articulation and avoidance of overly complex sentence structures enhance the efficacy of this powerful phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

method through which

Replaces "system" with "method" and "by which" with "through which", focusing on a specific process or technique.

mechanism whereby

Substitutes "system" with "mechanism" and "by which" with "whereby", implying a more mechanical or technical process.

process by means of which

Emphasizes the step-by-step nature of the "system" and the means by which it operates.

manner in which

Focuses on the way something is done, rather than the system itself.

approach through which

Highlights a specific strategy or method used to achieve a particular outcome.

framework within which

Implies a set of rules or guidelines that provide a structure for a particular activity.

structure under which

Focuses on organizational aspects and hierarchical relationships.

procedure through which

Highlights an official, established way of doing something

arrangement whereby

Suggests a mutual understanding or agreement that something will occur.

protocol by which

Refers to a set of rules and guidelines, especially in scientific contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "system by which" to describe a defined process or method. For example, "The company implemented a "system by which" all customer inquiries are logged and tracked".

What are some alternatives to "system by which"?

Alternatives include "method through which", "mechanism whereby", or "process by means of which", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "system by which" and "means by which"?

"System by which" typically refers to a structured and established process, while "means by which" is more general and can refer to any method or tool used to achieve a particular result. You can say that a means is a component of a "system by which" something is done.

Can "system by which" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

While generally suitable for formal writing, "system by which" can also be used in neutral contexts. However, in very informal settings, consider simpler alternatives like "how" or "way that".