Guide 66 / 200 4 alternatives 2-minute read

Better ways to say “By means of”

Three words where "by," "through," or "with" fits.

i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler

"By means of" is a Victorian formal. For modern prose, pick a simple preposition. "By" for agency, "through" for process, "with" for tools or resources.

ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo

Before

By means of automated reviews, errors dropped.

After

Through automated reviews, errors dropped.

iii · The alternatives4 ways out

01

By neutral

agency or mechanism

Errors dropped by automating review.
02

Through neutral

process or channel

Errors dropped through automated review.
03

With neutral

tool or resource

Errors dropped with automated review.
04

Via neutral

route or channel

Errors dropped via automated review.

iv · Brew tipKeep this one

"By means of" is always too long. Pick a one-word preposition instead.