“In part by” means “partly caused by,” used when you name one cause among several.
You’ll see in part by in school writing, news, reports, and everyday explanations. It shows up when one reason matters, but it isn’t the only reason.
If you searched in part by meaning, you want a clear definition plus sentence patterns you can reuse. You may also want to know when a different phrasing sounds better. Let’s get it clear so you can write it with zero fuss.
In Part By Meaning In Plain English
In part means “partly” or “to some extent.” It signals that the statement that follows is only a slice of the full story. The word by points to the cause, source, or agent behind an action.
Put them together and you get a clean idea: “partly caused by.” You’re saying the result happened for more than one reason, and you’re naming just one of them.
When This Phrase Sounds Natural
Most of the time, in part by sounds smooth after a passive verb that invites a cause. Think was caused, was driven, was shaped, or was explained.
It also works after “is/was due” and “can be explained,” as long as you keep the sentence tight and specific.
What It Does Not Mean
In part by does not mean “next to” or “near.” It also does not mean “broken into parts.” It’s a cause marker, not a location or a math idea.
It doesn’t claim that the cause you name is the only cause. It’s a partial cause, and that’s the point.
| Phrase In A Sentence | Meaning | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| was caused in part by | partly caused by | When you list one cause among many |
| was driven in part by | partly motivated by | When pressures or goals push an outcome |
| was shaped in part by | partly influenced by | When factors leave a mark over time |
| can be explained in part by | partly explained by | When a reason helps, but doesn’t explain everything |
| is due in part to | partly because of | When you want a shorter option |
| in part because of | partly because | When you prefer “because” to show cause |
| partly attributable to | partly linked to | When you want a formal tone in reports |
| partly the result of | partly caused by | When you want an everyday option |
How The Phrase Works In Real Sentences
Use a simple frame: state the result, choose a verb that fits, then add in part by and the cause you want to name. Keep the cause as specific as you can.
Common Sentence Frames
- [Result] was caused in part by [Cause].
- [Result] was driven in part by [Pressure, goal, need].
- [Result] can be explained in part by [Reason].
- [Difference] is explained in part by [Factor].
- [Change] was shaped in part by [Influence].
Verbs That Pair Well With “In Part By”
These verbs naturally invite a cause after them:
- caused, triggered, prompted
- driven, fueled, motivated
- shaped, influenced, affected
- explained, clarified, accounted for
- worsened, reduced, improved
Mini Examples You Can Copy
These samples keep the structure simple and the claim measured:
- The delay was caused in part by a last-minute change in the delivery schedule.
- The drop in sales was driven in part by higher shipping costs.
- The difference in test scores can be explained in part by attendance.
- Her decision was shaped in part by family expectations and time limits.
- The error rate was reduced in part by clearer checklists and training.
In Part By Vs In Part Because Of
Both forms point to a partial cause, but they land a little differently. In part by tends to follow passive structures, while in part because of often feels more direct in everyday writing.
If you’re unsure, test the sentence with “partly caused by.” If that swap works, in part by will likely work too. If “partly because of” sounds smoother, pick that instead.
Choose “In Part By” When You Use A Passive Verb
Passive voice can be handy when the result matters more than the actor, or when the cause is complex. In those cases, in part by fits neatly.
Choose “In Part Because Of” When You Want A Straight Line
“In part because of” can feel more natural in conversations and in short paragraphs. It also avoids the passive structure if you want a more active tone.
Using “In Part By” With Multiple Causes
Writers often reach for in part by when they know there’s more than one cause. Name the cause you can defend, then hint that other causes exist without listing a messy pile.
A clean approach is to name one cause after in part by, then add a second cause with a short connector like “and” or “along with.”
Two-Cause Pattern That Reads Smooth
These patterns keep the cause language tidy:
- The slowdown was caused in part by supplier delays and higher shipping fees.
- The gap can be explained in part by access to practice tests and after-school help.
When To Split Into Two Sentences
If your cause list runs long, split it. One sentence can name the cause you want to spotlight. The next sentence can add another cause with a fresh verb, which keeps the writing crisp.
Sample: The error rate was reduced in part by clearer steps. Better training also helped new staff avoid repeat mistakes.
Tone Tips So The Claim Stays Honest
Cause statements can sound like you’re making a hard promise, even when you’re not. In part by helps, but your verbs and nouns still matter. Avoid vague causes like “attitude” unless you define them right away.
If you’re writing a school paragraph, link the cause to a detail from the text, data, or lesson. If you’re writing at work, link the cause to an observable signal like a date change, a policy step, or a cost shift.
- Use specific nouns: “missed deadlines,” “late invoices,” “absences,” “price increases.”
- Use measured verbs: “can be explained,” “was influenced,” “was driven.”
Meaning Of “In Part” And “By” On Their Own
If you want grounding, check how dictionaries define the pieces. The Cambridge Dictionary “in part” entry matches the “partly” sense used in writing.
The Merriam-Webster “by” entry shows how “by” can mark agency or means.
Placement And Punctuation That Keep It Clear
Most of the time, you don’t need commas around in part by. Put the phrase close to the verb it belongs to, so readers don’t wonder what it modifies.
Safe Placement Patterns
- was caused in part by [cause]
- can be explained in part by [reason]
- was shaped in part by [influence]
When A Comma Can Help
A comma can help after a long opener. Still, keep the cause section clean and avoid stacking extra phrases that slow the reader down.
Common Mistakes And Clean Fixes
This phrase trips writers in a few predictable ways. The fixes are small: swap the verb, move the phrase closer to the verb, or choose a different cause connector.
One note: in part by meaning is a search label, not a phrase you must force into every paragraph. Use it as a topic name, then write natural sentences.
| Common Slip | Why It Feels Off | Cleaner Rewrite |
|---|---|---|
| It happened in part by the rain. | The verb “happened” doesn’t invite a cause with “by.” | It happened in part because of the rain. |
| In part by, the plan failed. | Fronting the phrase leaves readers waiting for the verb. | The plan failed in part because of weak testing. |
| The project was in part by delays. | The verb is missing, so the cause link is unclear. | The project was delayed in part by shipping issues. |
| The change was caused by in part by fees. | Double “by” creates a stumble. | The change was caused in part by higher fees. |
| She improved in part by studying. | Active verb + “by” reads like a method, not a partial cause. | Her results improved in part because she studied more. |
| The problem, in part by staffing, got worse. | Comma breaks the verb link and muddies meaning. | The problem got worse in part because of staffing gaps. |
| The rise can be explained in part to inflation. | “Explained” pairs with “by,” not “to,” in this structure. | The rise can be explained in part by inflation. |
| The result is in part by hard work. | “Is” needs a stronger verb to carry the cause. | The result is driven in part by hard work. |
How To Choose The Best Rewrite Fast
When a sentence sounds odd, use a swap test. Read your sentence once, then try one of these rewrites.
Three Easy Rewrite Options
- Swap in “partly caused by.” If it fits, keep in part by or use the swap.
- Swap in “in part because of.” This often works with active verbs and casual tone.
- Swap in “partly the result of.” This is smooth when you want a neutral sentence.
Active Voice Option When You Want A Named Actor
If your sentence has a clear actor, you can flip it to active voice and skip the awkwardness.
- Passive: The delay was caused in part by a late shipment.
- Active: A late shipment caused part of the delay.
Practice Set To Lock In The Pattern
Alright, time to put it to work. Fill the blank with the option that fits the sentence. Read each one once, then pick what sounds natural.
Choose The Best Connector
- The increase was caused ___ higher fuel costs.
- The team’s progress was driven ___ better planning.
- The change happened ___ a new rule in the schedule.
- The gap can be explained ___ access to tutoring.
- The policy shift was shaped ___ voter turnout.
- The drop in calls was ___ a new online form.
- Her choice was ___ the time limit.
- The delay was ___ a last-minute approval step.
Answer List
1) in part by 2) in part by 3) in part because of 4) in part by 5) in part by 6) in part due to 7) in part because of 8) in part by
Quick Editing Checklist For Clean Cause Sentences
Use this checklist when you’re revising a paragraph.
- Pick a verb that welcomes a cause: caused, driven, shaped, explained.
- Keep in part by close to that verb.
- Name a specific cause, not a vague noun like “things” or “stuff.”
- If the sentence feels stiff, switch to in part because of.
- If the sentence is long, split it into two shorter ones.
- Read it once out loud. If you trip, rewrite the verb phrase.
Recap With Two Simple Rules
In part by points to a partial cause, usually after a passive verb. Test it with “partly caused by.” If that feels clunky, swap to “in part because of” and keep going.