by word vs by words

Both 'by word' and 'by words' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'By word' is used when referring to something being repeated or recited exactly as written or spoken, while 'by words' is used when referring to the number of words used to express something.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 1560 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"by word"

This phrase is used when referring to something being repeated or recited exactly as written or spoken. It implies a focus on individual words rather than the overall meaning.

Examples:

He learned the poem by word and could recite it perfectly.
The contract must be followed by word to avoid any misunderstandings.

Show examples from the web [+]

And then you proceeded to eviscerate my argument word by word.
I'll repeat the message word by word to General Torrijos.
Absolutely do not sign it if your account wasn't recorded word by word.
It's hard... to translate word by word, but...
Use these Yes/ No radio buttons to determine whether you want & kpresenter; to use shadow text and/ or word by word underlining and strikethrough in the replacement text.
Shadow: and Word by word:
My father will not stand pleased by word of insubordination.
I know only that three stand for the sands... and one by word marked as the Undefeated Gaul.
I released an early Beta version during the summer and it spread quickly by word of mouth.
Neither one of us had anything to do with that shooting, by word or deed.
The invitations are usually by word of mouth Or on twitter.
Production techniques were passed down by word of mouth and were based on very simple cheese-making methods.
"Undermining authority by word, deed, or act."
Professor Alberts said if we read the dictionary into the device, word by word, we'd have a translation of those words into their language.
I have discovered by word of mouth that plans may be under way to disqualify regions like Wales, and I do hope that in the future, we will qualify for transitional funding.
The new text follows word by word the wording of Article 4(1) as proposed in the European Parliament's amendment 16.
Bruna, you must tell me everything, word by word!
Voting shall be by word of mouth and shall be expressed by "Yes", "No", or "I abstain".
You led the King by word and gesture to love you, concealing your contract with Francis Dereham to the peril of the King and his children begotten by you.
When selecting text by word, sequences of these characters are considered single words. Ranges can be given as "A-Z". Literal hyphen (not expressing a range) should be the first character given.

Alternatives:

verbatim
word for word
literally
precisely
exactly

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"by words"

This phrase is used when referring to the number of words used to express something. It focuses on the quantity of words rather than the specific content.

Examples:

The essay was limited to 500 words, so she had to be concise in her writing.
He expressed his feelings by words rather than actions.

Show examples from the web [+]

And I am no longer influenced by words such as patriotism and nationalism.
The fear and uncertainty arising from the current economic situation must be countered by decisions rather than by words.
Sometimes I think the world is strung together by words.
Raised there by words and touch of loving wife.
Because from Essen we know that employment policy cannot be made effective, or at least, jobs cannot be created, by words alone.
When the two theologians from Copenhagen saw they could not reach their goal by words alone, they joined forces to invite everyone to a feast that evening.
As responsibility is measured by actions and not by words, enterprises have to demonstrate transparency.
The King will not be moved by words but by actions.
It includes a number of very precise suggestions, which I believe could really make a difference in a political world so much characterised by words and empty promises.
Where it has been prepared from white wine, the sales denomination 'Glühwein' must be supplemented by words indicating white wine, such as the word 'white'.
The king will not be moved by words, but by actions!
A man of action - and Captain Dadis Camara is definitely one - will only be stopped by action, and not by words.
Where it has been prepared from white wine, the sales denomination 'Viiniglögi/Vinglögg/Karštas vynas' must be supplemented by words indicating white wine, such as the word 'white'.
Offended honour is not washed by words or with soap.
Raised there by words and touch of loving wife.
People are not satisfied by words, they want proof.
We don't know if we can use it as an evidence yet, but it's difficult to grasp the situation just by words.
The Romanian Government has decided to be judged by action and not by words.
Whether by words of wisdom or the flicker of a flashlight, we muddle through the fog, landing on the long and winding road we're meant to travel.
Not by signs, not by looks or movements, but by words.

Alternatives:

in words
using words
through words
with words
by means of words

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