the system by which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the system by which" is used in formal written English to introduce and describe a specific system or method.
It is generally followed by a verb or noun phrase to provide more details about the system being referred to. Example: "The system by which government officials are elected can vary greatly from country to country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A network fabric, the system by which data is passed between components, interconnects the resource blades.

Cornell University

But the system by which shows are voted on has not changed". Until now.

The New York Times - Arts

How much better for the dumb animal to have died heroically, in accordance with the system by which he lived.

The Guardian - Books

Tenet Healthcare has been formally accused of abusing the system by which Medicare pays for the most expensive cases.

The New York Times

Its stake is a key part of the system by which France and Germany share control of the firm.

The Economist

Electoral college, the system by which the president and vice president of the United States are chosen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One of Kim's competitors said the time had come to ditch the system by which individual judges give their scores anonymously.

The Guardian - Sport

To allow kitchen utensils, mattresses, and stationery into Gaza Israell, which issued a government statement that the country "would liberalize the system by which civilian goods enter Gaza".

The New Yorker

The malfunction also knocked out the system by which law enforcement officials around the country use fingerprints to access criminal records, Mr. Fischer said.

The New York Times

He said the system by which online claims were made would be developed over the four years the new system would take to be introduced.

The Guardian

'This review needs to be conducted rapidly to avoid any further erosion of public confidence in the system by which MPs are paid and receive allowances,' Milburn said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system, provide enough context so that the reader can easily understand the mechanics of it.

Common error

Avoid vague descriptions after using "the system by which". Always specify clearly how the system functions to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the system by which" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a clause describing a particular process, method, or mechanism. Ludwig AI’s analysis indicates its role in specifying how something is accomplished, often emphasizing a formal or structured approach.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the system by which" is a versatile phrase used to introduce and elaborate on specific processes or methodologies. Ludwig AI's analysis, backed by numerous real-world examples, confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted in formal English. Its usage spans across various domains, including news, academia, and encyclopedias. While alternatives exist, such as "the methodology through which" or "the mechanism whereby", "the system by which" remains a clear and effective choice for describing structured processes. Ensure clarity and specificity in the clause following the phrase to avoid ambiguity. Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for precise and formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the methodology through which

Replaces 'system' with 'methodology' and 'by which' with 'through which', emphasizing a structured process.

the mechanism whereby

Substitutes 'system' with 'mechanism' and 'by which' with 'whereby', focusing on the functional aspect of the process.

the process through which

Replaces 'system' with 'process' and 'by which' with 'through which', highlighting the sequential steps involved.

the means by which

Uses 'means' instead of 'system', stressing the tools or resources used.

the way in which

Offers a more straightforward alternative using 'way' instead of 'system'.

the procedure by which

Replaces 'system' with 'procedure', emphasizing a formal series of actions.

the manner in which

Emphasizes the style or method of execution.

the approach by which

Focuses on the strategy or method used to tackle something.

the route by which

Highlights the path or course taken to achieve a result.

the channel through which

Suggests a pathway or medium through which something is accomplished.

FAQs

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

Use "the system by which" to introduce and describe a specific method or process. For instance, "The system by which laws are enacted ensures public participation".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "the methodology through which", "the mechanism whereby", or "the process through which".

Is it better to use "the system by which" or "how"?

"The system by which" is more formal and emphasizes a structured process, while "how" is simpler and more direct. Use "the system by which" in formal writing and reports; use "how" in everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "the system by which" and "the means by which"?

"The system by which" refers to the overall process or method, while "the means by which" refers to the specific tools or resources used within that process.