Meaning & use
by-product
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Meanings
nouncountable
Something extra that is produced while making the main product, often useful or sold separately.
Grammar: Countable; use 'a by-product' or 'by-products'. Often followed by 'of': a by-product of refining.
Patterns
- a by-product of something
- produce something as a by-product
Sawdust is a by-product of cutting wood.
The factory sells glycerin as a by-product of soap making.
Molasses is a by-product of sugar production.
nouncountablefigurative
An unexpected result that happens because of another action or situation.
Grammar: Countable; often used figuratively with 'of': a by-product of success.
Patterns
- a by-product of something
- an unintended by-product
Higher stress is often a by-product of working long hours.
The new road brought more traffic as a by-product of faster travel.
Improved teamwork was a happy by-product of the training.
Word forms
| plural | by-products |
|---|
Common combinations
- a by-product of
- Carbon dioxide is a by-product of burning fuel.
- an industrial by-product
- The company recycles industrial by-products.
- a natural by-product
- Laughter is a natural by-product of good company.
- produce something as a by-product
- They produce heat as a by-product of the reaction.
Synonyms and how they differ
- side effect
- Usually used for unwanted results of drugs or actions, while by-product can be neutral or positive.
- spin-off
- Often means a useful product or benefit that develops from something else, whereas by-product is more general.
Word family
- product noun
- The main thing made or grown.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'by-product' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Sawdust is produced while cutting wood, so it is a by-product. 'By-product' does not mean the main product or something made by hand.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “by-product”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.