working by this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "working by this" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you are referring to a method or principle you are following, but it is not commonly used. Example: "I am working by this principle to ensure consistency in my work."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The numbers we have been working by this year on the road are not power output or speed, but VAM: Vertical Altitude Metres, or how quickly you gain height on a climb.

The Guardian - Sport

"I did think more would have returned to work by this time," Ms. Sundlin said.

The New York Times

Thilo Heinzmann New works by this Berlin artist who puts painting at the centre of his experimentalism.

The Guardian - Arts

She put her foreign language prowess to work: by this time, she was fluent in English, Japanese, German, French, Spanish and Russian.

The New York Times

Most nurses will have an idea where they want to work by this point.

WikiHow

Make sure you are ready in every way to return to work by taking this quiz.

Huffington Post

You can begin to understand how the system works by analyzing this quote by Leona Helmsley; "Only poor people pay taxes".

Huffington Post

No one talking or being noisy – just everyone working, surrounded by this quiet and the music.

The Guardian

You know how this works by now.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

UNION COUNTY COLLEGE "Out of This World," works by Stephen McKenzie.

The New York Times

This algorithm works by testing different combinations of reaction knockouts.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "working by this", ensure the 'this' clearly refers to a specific, previously mentioned method, principle, or guideline to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "working by this" if the 'this' lacks a clear, immediate antecedent. This can lead to confusion and require the reader to guess the intended reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working by this" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the method or principle guiding an action. While grammatically sound, Ludwig AI notes it's not the most common construction. It specifies how something is being done, aligning with a particular guideline.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

35%

Wiki

35%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "working by this" is a grammatically acceptable but infrequent prepositional phrase used to indicate the guiding method or principle behind an action. As Ludwig AI has indicated, it may lack clarity if the reference is not explicit. For clearer and more common alternatives, consider using phrases like "following this" or "guided by this". While it appears in neutral contexts like news and media, ensure clear reference to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following this

Focuses on adherence to a specific procedure or instruction.

based on this

Highlights the foundation or rationale behind an action or decision.

operating under this

Emphasizes the guiding principles or rules being followed.

according to this

Indicates alignment with a particular standard or source of information.

guided by this

Highlights the influence or direction provided by a specific factor.

in accordance with this

Emphasizes formal compliance or agreement with established guidelines.

using this method

Specifies the application of a particular technique or approach.

employing this strategy

Highlights the deliberate use of a specific plan or tactic.

working with this

Implies direct interaction or manipulation of a specific tool or resource.

drawing from this

Focuses on extracting or utilizing information from a specific source.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "working by this" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "operating under this", "in accordance with this", or "guided by this" to convey a similar meaning with increased sophistication.

What's a simple alternative to "working by this"?

A simpler way to express the same idea is to say "following this" or "based on this", which are more direct and easier to understand.

Is "working by this" grammatically correct?

Yes, "working by this" is grammatically acceptable, although it is not the most common or polished way to express the idea of following a particular method or principle. It's often clearer to use alternatives like "following this" or "guided by this".

When is it best to avoid using "working by this"?

It's best to avoid using "working by this" when the reference of "this" is unclear. Ensure that the noun or concept "this" refers to is explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity. Consider rephrasing with more precise language for clarity.