whereby
whereby — adverb
1. used to indicate the method, system, or process by which something is made possi
used to indicate the method, system, or process by which something is made possible or achieved.
Bao invented a filing system whereby documents are sorted by colour rather than date.
noun + whereby + clause (system/process pattern)
The college runs a programme whereby first-year students are paired with a senior mentor.
noun + whereby + clause (programme/arrangement pattern)
A new voting method was introduced whereby each member casts their ballot electronically.
Jabari set up an online portal whereby customers can track their orders at any time.
- by which
less formal and more common in everyday writing; 'whereby' is one compact word
- through which
suggests the means or channel rather than the method itself
- by means of which
even more formal and slightly longer
文法句型
noun + whereby + clause
用法筆記
Frequently follows nouns such as 'system', 'method', 'process', 'scheme', or 'programme'. Cannot replace 'by which' in questions — it is a relative adverb only.
常見錯誤
2. used to describe the particular situation, arrangement, or set of circumstances
used to describe the particular situation, arrangement, or set of circumstances in which something happens or exists.
The neighbours reached an arrangement whereby they share the cost of the garden fence.
arrangement whereby + clause
The two companies signed a deal whereby Mira's firm handles all overseas distribution.
deal whereby + clause
Isabela faced a position whereby she had to choose between her career and her family.
Christopher and his cousin made a pact whereby they would launch a food truck after graduation.
- in which
the neutral, everyday alternative to 'whereby' in this sense
- under which
common for agreements, rules, or conditions
- where
informal alternative; 'a situation where' is very common in speech
文法句型
noun + whereby + clause
用法筆記
Commonly follows nouns like 'situation', 'arrangement', 'agreement', 'deal', 'position', or 'relationship'. The focus is on the context or circumstances rather than the method.
常見錯誤
whereby — conjunction
1. introduces a clause that states the terms, conditions, or principles on which an
introduces a clause that states the terms, conditions, or principles on which an agreement, rule, or formal arrangement is based.
The lease includes a clause whereby the tenant gives three months' notice before leaving.
clause whereby + stipulation
Yara signed a contract with Stefan whereby she provides design services for two years.
contract whereby + provision
The organisation has a rule whereby no member chairs for more than three years.
The scholarship sets out criteria whereby students qualify for full tuition support.
- by which
less formal; works for most contexts
- under which
common in legal texts for conditions and rules
- pursuant to which
very formal, almost exclusively legal
文法句型
whereby + clause (introduces a stipulation or provision)
用法筆記
Distinguish from the adverb senses: as a conjunction, 'whereby' introduces a clause that states the specific terms or content of the preceding noun — it answers 'what are the terms?' rather than 'how?' or 'in what situation?'. Most common in legal, contractual, and regulatory writing.