によってBy means of; through
によって marks a method, system, process, or organized means used to perform an action or achieve a result. It is especially common in reports, explanations, and formal descriptions.
Choosing the right kind of means
The noun before によって answers how something is accomplished. It is most natural when the means is an organized method, technology, investigation, training process, legal procedure, or system—not merely a small object held in the hand.
Methods and organized processes
In each example, the marked noun is something that can deliberately be used as a method.
調査によって利用者の要望を明らかにした。
The users' needs were identified through a survey.
Analyze新しい解析技術により、微細な変化を検出できる。
Minute changes can be detected by means of new analysis technology.
Analyzeにより gives the sentence a compact, formal written style.
オンライン研修による技能向上を支援する。
We support skill development through online training.
Analyzeによる comes before the noun naming the result achieved through the training.
Means versus cause
The means use presents something as a controllable or usable method. The cause use instead names what brought about a result, often without anyone deliberately using it. Ask whether the noun is being employed to achieve the result or merely caused it.
低温加熱法によって、素材の風味を保つことができる。
The ingredient's flavor can be preserved through a low-temperature heating method.
AnalyzeThe heating method is deliberately used as a means.
過度の加熱によって、素材の風味が失われた。
The ingredient's flavor was lost because of excessive heating.
AnalyzeHere the heating is the cause of an unwanted result, not a method used to achieve it.
Formal method wording versus an everyday means
によって focuses on a method or system and sounds report-like. For a concise everyday statement, で is usually more natural.
More examples
データ分析によって、売上が落ちた原因を特定した。
Data analysis was used to identify why sales had fallen.
Analyze定期的な訓練によって、緊急時の対応力を高める。
Regular training is used to improve emergency response capabilities.
Analyzeこの手続きにより、申請をオンラインで完了できます。
This procedure allows you to complete the application online.
Analyze遺伝子検査による病気の早期発見が期待されている。
Early detection of the disease through genetic testing is anticipated.
Analyze住民への聞き取りによって、地域の課題を把握した。
Interviews with residents were used to understand the community's problems.
Analyze複数のセンサーを組み合わせることによって、測定精度を向上させた。
Measurement accuracy was improved by combining multiple sensors.
Analyze