with a chainsaw

USAGE SUMMARY

"with a chainsaw" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person using a chainsaw for a task. For example, "John cut down the tree with a chainsaw."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not with a chainsaw.

The Economist

"Romney came in with a chainsaw.

The Guardian

I run around with a chainsaw".

The Guardian - Sport

She also enjoys felling trees with a chainsaw.

The New Yorker

More fun "tag" games ensue, this time with a chainsaw.

The New York Times

Late one afternoon, I began disassembling it with a chainsaw.

The New York Times

Why is this guy opening his beer with a chainsaw?

The New York Times

His rough-hewn sculptures are often made with a chainsaw.

Independent

"Working with a chainsaw ALWAYS be respectful of the unexpected.

The Guardian - Sport

So folks in my time off decided to have a fight with a chainsaw and lost!

Independent

Admiral Edmund P. Giambastiani, Jr., compared the prospective cuts to "performing brain surgery with a chainsaw".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an action performed with a chainsaw, ensure the context clarifies whether it's for a practical task, artistic creation, or metaphorical expression.

Common error

Avoid using "with a chainsaw" when the focus should be on the result of the action, rather than the tool itself. For instance, instead of "The sculpture was created with a chainsaw", consider "The sculpture was chainsaw-carved".

Linguistic Context

"With a chainsaw" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the means or instrument used to perform an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. The examples show its versatility in describing actions ranging from cutting trees to creating art.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with a chainsaw" is a grammatically correct and versatile prepositional phrase used to specify the tool employed in an action. As Ludwig AI points out, it is common across various contexts, from news reports to artistic descriptions. The phrase's register is generally neutral, but its connotation can shift based on the context. For clarity, it's crucial to focus on the chainsaw's role and avoid using the phrase when the action's outcome should be emphasized. By understanding its function and usage patterns, writers can effectively incorporate "with a chainsaw" into their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

using a chainsaw

Focuses on the action of using the tool, rather than just the presence of the tool.

employing a chainsaw

More formal alternative, emphasizing the application of the tool for a specific purpose.

by means of a chainsaw

Highlights the chainsaw as the instrument or method used to achieve a result.

via a chainsaw

Similar to 'by means of', but slightly more concise.

with the aid of a chainsaw

Emphasizes the chainsaw as a tool that assists in completing a task.

utilizing a chainsaw

Similar to 'employing', but slightly less formal.

equipped with a chainsaw

Focuses on the state of being prepared or furnished with the tool.

carrying a chainsaw

Highlights the act of holding or transporting the chainsaw.

handling a chainsaw

Focuses on the act of controlling or managing the chainsaw.

operating a chainsaw

Emphasizes the action of using the chainsaw's mechanisms for a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "with a chainsaw" in a sentence?

Use "with a chainsaw" to describe the instrument used to perform an action. For example, "He cut the fallen tree "with a chainsaw"".

What are some alternatives to saying "with a chainsaw"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives like "using a chainsaw", "employing a chainsaw", or "by means of a chainsaw".

Is it correct to say "he chainsawed the wood" instead of "he cut the wood with a chainsaw"?

While "chainsawed" can be used as a verb, it's less common and might sound informal. Sticking with "cut with a chainsaw" is generally clearer and more widely accepted, especially in formal writing.

What's the difference between "using a chainsaw" and ""with a chainsaw""?

"Using a chainsaw" focuses on the action of employing the tool, while ""with a chainsaw"" emphasizes the tool itself as an instrument. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the action or the tool.