the instruments by which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the instruments by which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the means or tools through which something is accomplished or achieved. Example: "The instruments by which we measure climate change are essential for understanding its impact on our planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Those are the instruments by which we operate".

The New Yorker

Ron Carlson, a beautiful short-story writer and novelist, said that "details are the instruments by which we steer".

The New Yorker

It authorizes legislation with respect to all the subjects of foreign and inter-State commerce, the persons engaged in it, and the instruments by which it is carried on.

Cornell University

Faction and enthusiasm are the instruments by which popular governments are destroyed.

University of Chicago

The mind's nature is to think and to perceive, and God produces those modifications via ideas, which are the instruments by which he enlightens us.

SEP

As Paskaleva (2009, 2011, 2013) and Deakin (2010a, 2012b, 2011a, 2011b) note, in order to get beyond the rhetoric of cities that claim to be smart and properly stand up to the governance challenge which smart cities pose, it is necessary to not only survey the status of the cities that proclaim to be smart but also assemble the instruments by which to measure any such performance.

Triple Helix

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It is the instrument by which the past asserts its right over the present.

The Guardian - Arts

A lady in a sparkly dress claims to be the instrument by which Maria Callas now sings.

The Guardian

The instrument by which Keogh is alleged to have been damaged are rates approved by the Commission.

Cornell University

Here the instrument by which the damage is alleged to have been inflicted is the legal rate, which, while in effect, had to be collected from all shippers.

Cornell University

As they prepared to depart the island, the marines created a modern, unified military constabulary that became the instrument by which future Dominican authoritarians would seize power.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the instruments by which" to introduce a detailed explanation of the methods or tools employed in a process, lending authority and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the instruments by which" in casual or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "the way" or "the means" are often more appropriate and less likely to sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the instruments by which" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. It modifies a noun or noun phrase, specifying the means or tools used to achieve a particular result. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

25%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the instruments by which" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to specify the means or tools employed in a process. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its use is most appropriate in formal and technical contexts, such as academic papers or technical reports. While effective in conveying precision, it should be used sparingly in informal settings to avoid sounding overly pretentious. Alternatives like "the means by which" or "the tools by which" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the mechanisms by which

Replaces "instruments" with "mechanisms", focusing on the process or system involved rather than the tools themselves.

the means by which

A more general term, substituting "instruments" with "means", indicating a method or resource used.

the tools by which

Emphasizes the specific tools or implements used, similar to the original phrase.

the devices by which

Similar to 'tools', but can include more complex or technical implements.

the procedures through which

Focuses on the formal series of actions or steps involved in achieving something.

the methodologies with which

Highlights the systematic and theoretical approaches used.

the channels through which

Suggests a route or pathway through which something is achieved.

the processes by which

Focuses on the series of actions or steps that lead to a particular outcome.

the pathways by which

Emphasizes a specific course or route taken to achieve a goal.

the systems through which

Highlights the structured and organized approaches that are deployed.

FAQs

How can I use "the instruments by which" in a sentence?

Use "the instruments by which" to introduce a clause that specifies the tools, methods, or processes used to achieve a particular outcome. For example: "These are "the instruments by which" we operate."

What are some alternatives to "the instruments by which"?

Some alternatives include "the means by which", "the tools by which", or "the mechanisms by which", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "the instruments by which" formal or informal?

"The instruments by which" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, technical, or professional contexts. It may sound out of place in casual conversation.

Which is more appropriate: "the instruments by which" or "the way in which"?

The choice depends on the context. "The instruments by which" is more specific and emphasizes the tools or methods used, while "the way in which" is more general and refers to the manner or method of doing something.