term by term

USAGE SUMMARY

"term by term" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used in mathematical and scientific contexts to describe a process of analyzing or solving a problem by considering each individual term or component separately. Example: "To solve this equation, we must approach it term by term, beginning with the highest degree."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Term by term, Ms. Nelson testified that a study of the actual deals showed no carrying out of any agreement.

The New York Times

I asked him to explain it to me, term by term, and he patiently went through the equation, until we got to the last line.

The Guardian

For values of x inside the interval of convergence, the series can be differentiated term by term; that is,f′(x) = a1 + 2a2x + 3a3x2 +⋯, and this series also converges.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We now proceed term by term: (D2).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

where denotes the term by term division.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Thus we will estimate J1- J10 term by term.

Environmental Systems Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

They will be subject to term-by-term appraisal and at the end of each year some will be "assessed out", or asked to leave.

The Guardian

Does it matter that those who teach our children at university are likely to be employed on a term-by-term basis, often living from hand-to-mouth and with little access to facilities or training and professional development?

The Guardian

At least it cannot be displaced term-by-term.

SEP

Using Hölder's inequality, the Lebesgue term-by-term integration theorem, and (9) again, we have (19).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Using Lebesgue term-by-term integration theorem, there are two forms of I of (3.1).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "term by term" in technical writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates which 'terms' are being individually addressed to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify if you're referring to terms in a mathematical equation or clauses in a contract.

Common error

Avoid using "term by term" in contexts where simpler alternatives like "individually" or "one by one" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or technical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "term by term" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It modifies verbs, adverbs, or clauses to specify the manner in which an action is performed, indicating a sequential or individual consideration of elements. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "term by term" is a common adverbial phrase used to describe a methodical approach of analyzing something piece by piece. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in science, news, and formal writing. When writing with "term by term", prioritize clarity and precision in technical contexts. Consider alternatives like "individually" or "step by step" in simpler contexts. Remember that although grammatically correct and usable, overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal. By considering these guidelines, you can effectively and correctly incorporate the phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

step by step

Focuses on sequential progression, highlighting the incremental nature of the process.

element by element

Emphasizes the focus on distinct elements or components within a larger context.

item by item

Focuses on the examination or processing of single items.

one by one

Emphasizes individual treatment or analysis, suggesting a methodical approach.

component by component

Focuses specifically on the analysis or manipulation of individual components.

individually

Highlights the separate and distinct consideration of each item.

stage by stage

Implies a phased progression, emphasizing different stages in a process.

sequentially

Indicates a following of a specific order or sequence in the process.

in sequence

Highlights the arrangement or progression in a specific order.

piecemeal

Suggests a gradual and fragmented approach, addressing small parts at a time.

FAQs

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

You can use "term by term" to describe a method of analyzing something piece by piece. For example, "We evaluated the contract "term by term" to ensure compliance."

What does "term by term" mean?

"Term by term" means considering each individual part or element separately and in sequence. It's often used in mathematical or analytical contexts.

Which is more appropriate, "term by term" or "step by step"?

The choice between "term by term" and "step by step" depends on the context. "Term by term" implies analyzing individual components, whereas "step by step" ("step by step") suggests a sequential process or procedure.

Are there any synonyms for the phrase "term by term"?

Yes, alternatives to "term by term" include "individually", "one by one", or "sequentially", each emphasizing a different aspect of separate consideration.