a means of entry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a means of entry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a method or way to gain access to a place or situation. Example: "The fire escape served as a means of entry for the emergency responders during the evacuation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Their ideology had become little more than an empty slogan, a means of entry to the special shops reserved for the Soviet elite.

The New York Times - Books

Nectaries of Nicotiana species come into contact with the atmosphere and with precipitation, and contain both sugars and stomata, thus providing both food for pathogens and a means of entry into the plant [ 38, 39].

BMC Plant Biology

In these allegations the act was apparently performed with the pig's head resting on a colleague's lap, and functioned as a means of entry into the notorious Piers Gaveston society, supposedly posher than Bullingdon (although friends deny Cameron was ever a member of the Piers Gaveston society).

The Guardian - Opinion

However, even without a means of entry in China, Clemens' range of expertise can still aid Twitch in a number of ways.

TechCrunch

The researchers suggest that the frames are useful for collecting a large amount of data from a large number of participants, and that they provide a means of entry into an unfamiliar research context.

System

In other words, if you see this message, you will likely need to do more than secure your Facebook account – it's possible that your computer could be infected with malware as well, which has allowed the attacker a means of entry in the first place.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It's for young gay people with few or no examples of progressive gay people in their lives to show them means of entry into the life other than Internet sex sites or gay clubs.

Huffington Post

For a start there are forced marriages taking place in our country, and overseas as a means of gaining entry to the UK.

The Guardian

Had he insisted on the killer rush because he wanted the book to function as an advertisement for his Vice-Presidential candidacy, or even as a means of late entry into the Presidential race if the other candidates faltered?

The New Yorker

While these alternatives offered a means of system entry for care and enabled prescription refills and referrals to specialists, the participants focused on the downsides to walk-in clinics, in particular their wait times.

BMC Family Practice

This vector exploits the ubiquitous expression of integrin receptors on the surface of most cell types as a means of binding and entry.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex systems or processes, use "a means of entry" to clearly identify how elements or entities access the system.

Common error

Avoid using "a means of entry" in simple situations where simpler phrases like "an entrance" or "a way in" would suffice. Choose the phrase that best suits the complexity and formality of the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a means of entry" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a method, way, or tool that allows access. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a means of entry" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that identifies a method or way to gain access to something. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. While not exceedingly common, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian and scientific journals. It is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts, with a neutral to formal tone. Related phrases include "a method of access" and "an entry point". When using "a means of entry", ensure it fits the context's formality and complexity, avoiding overuse in simple situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a method of access

Replaces "means" with "method" for a slightly more formal tone.

a way to gain entry

Substitutes "means" with the more common "way" and adds the verb "gain" to emphasize the action.

a point of access

Focuses on the specific location or moment where access is granted.

a gateway

Uses a metaphorical term to represent a passage or opportunity for entry.

an access route

Emphasizes the path or channel through which something enters.

an entry point

Highlights the location where entry begins.

a channel for entry

Specifies that entry is facilitated through a particular channel or medium.

a route of ingress

Replaces "entry" with the more formal "ingress".

a portal

Suggests a significant or transformative point of entry.

a path for access

Highlights how something can be reached or approached.

FAQs

How can I use "a means of entry" in a sentence?

Use "a means of entry" to describe a method, way, or opportunity to gain access to something. For example, "The secret passage served as "a means of entry" into the castle."

What can I say instead of "a means of entry"?

You can use alternatives like "an "entry point"", "method of access", or "a way in" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a means of entry" or "a means to enter"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "A means of entry" functions as a noun phrase, while "a means to enter" uses an infinitive to express purpose or intention. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "a means of entry" and "an entrance"?

"A means of entry" describes the method or way to get in, while "an entrance" refers to a physical location or point of access. For example, "The door was the main entrance" vs. "The password was "a means of entry" to the system".