term by which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "term by which" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to define or specify a particular term or concept in relation to something else. Example: "The term by which we refer to this phenomenon is 'climate change'."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

(Really. The only term by which to describe the march past the White House is joyous).

The New Yorker

Teenagers only discover their revised marks within days of the start of the university term, by which time universities have already allocated their places to others.

The Guardian

"All of them oligarchs," said Mr. Rodríguez, a street vendor, using the term by which the country's poor masses describe the wealthy white minority.

The New York Times

She didn't particularly like being called a cougar, but it is the term by which people have come to understand her preference for sleeping with much younger men.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is the term by which the first promo for this summer's Looper has been dubbed by the iTunes trailer site.

The Guardian - Film

"The whole thing is clearly aimed against Roma," Mr. Samko said this week, using the term by which Gypsies in Europe prefer to be known.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Over generations, stocks have outperformed for the long-term – by which I mean decades, and if you're a millennial, that's the time frame you have at your disposal.

The Guardian - Money

These are very broad terms by which to accommodate freedom and authority.

Cornell University

Then they argued over the terms by which Russia could continue to use the base.

The New York Times

But gentler Olympians, too, are capable of redefining the terms by which the game is played.

The New York Times - Arts

Within the terms by which, starting at his victory over Pharaoh, God himself has defined his divinity, "he has failed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "term by which" when you want to explicitly define a specific term that might be unfamiliar to your audience or has a particular nuance in a specific context. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "term by which" for very basic or commonly understood definitions. Simpler constructions like "is called" or "is known as" are often more appropriate and less verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "term by which" functions as a defining relative clause, introducing a specific term and explaining how it is used or understood. Ludwig AI provides examples of this usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "term by which" serves as a defining relative clause used to clarify the meaning or application of a specific term. According to Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in news and media, scientific articles, and encyclopedias, reflecting its role in formal and precise communication. While grammatically correct and commonly used, it's important to consider simpler alternatives for basic definitions to avoid unnecessary verbosity. By understanding its function and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "term by which" to enhance clarity and precision in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expression used to describe

This alternative replaces "term" with "expression", focusing on the descriptive aspect.

phrase used to denote

Using "phrase" instead of "term" and "denote" instead of "by which" emphasizes the phrase's representative function.

name given to

This alternative uses simpler language, replacing "term" with "name" and rephrasing the relation.

label applied to

This option focuses on the act of labeling or categorizing something.

way of referring to

This phrase highlights the act of referring to something in a particular manner.

designation for

This alternative emphasizes the official or formal naming of something.

terminology for

Replaces 'term' with 'terminology', focusing on an established set of terms or names.

the way it's called

Simplifies the structure, focusing on the common name or appellation.

what it is known as

This alternative uses a more conversational tone to express how something is generally identified.

definition assigned to

Focuses on the act of assigning a specific definition to a concept or entity.

FAQs

How do I use "term by which" in a sentence?

The phrase "term by which" is used to define a concept or specify how something is referred to. For example, "'Lala' is the "term by which" Chinese lesbians refer to themselves."

What are some alternatives to "term by which"?

You can use alternatives such as "expression used to describe", "phrase used to denote", or "name given to" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to use "term by which" when defining a word?

No, it's not always necessary. If the definition is straightforward and widely understood, simpler alternatives like "is called" or "is known as" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "term by which" and "terms by which"?

"Term by which" refers to a singular term, whereas "terms by which" refers to multiple conditions or stipulations. For example, "These are the "terms by which" Russia could continue to use the base."