How to use "by application"

What Does "by application" Mean?

• It expresses the manner or method by which something is achieved or obtained.
• It typically modifies a verb or a whole clause, specifying how an action is carried out or a result is achieved.
• Register: neutral to formal.

How to Use It

• Typical sentence positions: final or mid-position, with final position being the most natural. Initial position is rare.
• It modifies the verb or clause, specifying the means or condition by which something occurs. It changes the meaning of the sentence by adding a condition or explaining the method used.
• Grammatical flexibility: It can be fronted, but this is less common and can sound somewhat stilted. It is rarely used with negation or in questions.
• What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Placing it at the beginning of a sentence is less common and can sound awkward. Using it in very informal contexts might also feel out of place.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from by application on Ludwig.guru.

"For members and their guests; membership is by application." — nytimes.com

"It is free to attend but by application only." — theguardian.com

"She is not famous by accident but by application." — theguardian.com

"Root formation may be stimulated by application of growth-promoting chemicals or growth hormones." — britannica.com

"Talent in playoff hockey can be blunted by application." — newyorker.com

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/by+application

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
through an application	More specific, focusing on the document itself.
via application	Slightly more formal and emphasizes the process.
by means of application	Very formal; suitable for legal or technical writing.
subject to application	Emphasizes that something is conditional upon application.
upon application	Implies immediacy or direct consequence of applying.
through the application of	More descriptive, focusing on the act of applying something.
with the application of	Similar to "through the application of," but slightly less formal.

Common Mistakes

• Using "by application" at the beginning of a sentence, which can sound awkward. It's more natural in the middle or at the end.
• Overusing "by application" in informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "through applying" or "by using" would be more appropriate.
• Learners often confuse this with similar-sounding phrases like "in practice" or use it in contexts where a more precise adverb like "manually" or "formally" is more appropriate.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
by application	Indicates the method or condition by which something is achieved.	Neutral to Formal	Mid or Final

FAQs

Where is the most natural position for "by application" in a sentence?

"By application" most naturally appears in the mid or final position of a sentence. While it can technically start a sentence, this is less common and can sound stilted.

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How does "by application" differ from a similar phrase like "through application"?

While both phrases indicate a method, "by application" often implies a formal process or requirement, while "through application" simply describes the means. For example, "Membership is by application" suggests a formal procedure, whereas "The problem was solved through application of this formula" focuses on the method itself.

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How can I avoid misusing "by application"?

Avoid confusing "by application" with similar phrases like "in practice." Also, consider whether a more specific adverb like "manually" or "formally" would be more appropriate. Using it when a simpler phrase like "by using" would suffice can make your writing sound overly formal.