"by means of" versus "by"

Question

Me gustaría exponer un tema nuevo. Yo sé que "by means of" y "by" significan "mediante". **Me gustaría saber cuando se utiliza "by means of" y cuando "by".
Esto es lo que aparece en el diccionario:
mediante prep
a (frml) ? proceso/técnica/instrumento ': mediante el proceso de la pasteurización through (the process of) pasteurization, **by pasteurization, by means of pasteurization; los resultados obtenidos mediante este método the results obtained with o by o using this method

**"by using this method". **
De aquí deduzco que con un sustantivo puedo utilizar "by means of" o "by". Pero, resulta que al preguntar a algunos nativos, cuando utilizo el término "by means of" les suena raro y no sé por qué. ¿Puede alguien exponer algunos ejemplos con "by means of" para que sepa cuál es la diferencia entre "by" y "by means of" (si es que la hay), por favor'

Answer 1

I think that in the narrow context of the dictionary definition quoted, "by" or "by means of" are used rather synonymously. I think that we only state the "by means of"" when we wish to emphasize or detail the use of a particular process/instrument/method. "This disease is currently being treated by means of blood transfusions." However, shorten it to simply "by" and it wouldn't raise an eyebrow. I think that we surmise that the "by" means "by means of" from context.
Change the context, however, and "by" and ""by means of"" lose that equality.
In the sentence "Your reports are due by 3 P.M., Thursday" no one is going to confuse that "by" with "by means of".

Then, again, as with most languages you will find idomatic situations where the context is the same but custom dictates usage. In the sentence ""This letter was written by hand" the "by means of" nuance still exists, but more elaborate constructions involving by means of utilizing pen and paper just seem incorrect or awkward. We shorten the process into a simple mention of the instrument...hand, typewriter, printer, etc.

Answer 2

It's Standard English here in good old blighty, old boy (United Kingdom)....por ejemplo

"I will get £10000 by way of deception".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/By_Way_of_Deception

"By way of" or "by means of" allows the writer to explain how something was achieved or accomplished.

Oh, ok. I live in the United States.

Thanks for letting me know that! I want to go to the UK sometime! :D

Answer 3

It's Standard English here in good old blighty, old boy (United Kingdom)....por ejemplo

"I will get £10000 by way of deception".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/By_Way_of_Deception

"By way of" or "by means of" allows the writer to explain how something was achieved or accomplished.

Answer 4

"By means of" sounds much more formal. Most likely something you would encounter in writing rather than something you would use in conversation.

I agree with Valarie.

Mark- "by way of" seems weird to say. Where have you heard a sentence that uses "by way of"?

With All Due Respect,
Penguino

Answer 5

"By means of" is not really the right phrase. The correct phrase which is very common here in the UK is "by WAY of". The phrase allows the writer to explain how something was achieved or accomplished.
"You can travel to France by way of Land, Sea or Air."

Answer 6

"By means of" sounds much more formal. Most likely something you would encounter in writing rather than something you would use in conversation.