By/in doing X, Y happens.
I am trying to understand the subtle difference between "by doing X" and "in doing X" .
This thread's responder says that: " Both "by doing X" and "in doing X" form non-finite adjunct clauses of cause or reason. In the most general sense, they both mean 'as a consequence of doing X.' Consequently, there are many situations where both items, be and in, sound acceptable."
And suggest using "by doing X" if the the other action, Y, is the "direct result" of the X.
Then suggest using "in doing X" or "by doing X" if X is the "indirect cause" of the other action, Y.
On the other hand, this thread's responder says that: "Using the word "in" means that the action takes place at the same time as something. However "by" is used to denote the manner or reason something was done. "
So "in doing so" actually means "while doing so", but "by doing so" means "because I did so".
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Supposing this explanation above is correct, I wonder if I can use use "while" in the place of "in" in this kind of situations.
- By trying to solve one problem, I created another.
Does this sentence mean "creating another problem" is the direct result of the "trying to solve one problem" ? Do "trying to solve one problem" and "creating another problem" happen at the same time? or "trying to solve one problem" happens first and then "creating another problem" happens as a result of the first action?
- In trying to solve one problem, I created another.
Do "trying to solve one problem" and "creating another problem" happen at the same time? or "trying to solve one problem" happens first and then "creating another problem" happens as a result of the first action?
- While trying to solve one problem, I created another.
What is the difference between this sentence and sentence 2?
- Raskolnikov confesses his crime to Sonia and admits that by killing the two women – Alena Ivanovna and her servant and sister, Elizabeth - he actually destroyed himself.
Do "killing the two women" and "destroying himself" happen at the same time? or "killing the two women" happens first and then "destroying himself" happens as a result of the first action?
- Raskolnikov confesses his crime to Sonia and admits that in killing the two women – Alena Ivanovna and her servant and sister, Elizabeth - he actually destroyed himself. (Original one)
Do "killing the two women" and "destroying himself" happen at the same time? or "killing the two women" happens first and then "destroying himself" happens as a result of the first action?
- Raskolnikov confesses his crime to Sonia and admits that while killing the two women – Alena Ivanovna and her servant and sister, Elizabeth - he actually destroyed himself.
What is the difference between this sentence and sentence 5?
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