a primary means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a primary means" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main method or way of achieving something. Example: "For many students, online learning has become a primary means of education during the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The book superseded the oral presentation as a primary means of publication.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The limited run show has become a primary means of sustaining an atmosphere of continuous novelty and widening the audience.

Independent

He credited the decline to the effect of feed bans as a primary means of controlling the disease.

Independent

Municipal bonds, which are issued by states as well as municipalities, are a primary means for governments to finance their operations.

The New York Times

Although text messaging is still in its infancy in the United States, it has become a primary means of communication in China.

The New York Times

Sub-Saharan Africa's governments must recognise the enormous potential of these pools of capital, and make moves to harness them as a primary means of funding development.

The Guardian

"More institutions are now using votes against directors or 'withhold' votes as a primary means for holding boards accountable," he said.

The New York Times

Vélo Québec, a cycling advocacy group, says that nearly 20 percent of downtown residents use bicycles as a primary means of transport.

The New York Times

Cheating has grown at school districts around the country as standardized testing has become a primary means of evaluating teachers, principals and schools.

The New York Times

It was partly the sense that their students already were using Facebook as a primary means of communication that prompted the school to develop their M.B.A. application.

The New York Times

The piezoelectric effect, a primary means of producing and sensing ultrasonic waves, was discovered by the French physical chemist Pierre Curie and his brother Jacques in 1880.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a primary means", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being achieved or facilitated by this means. For example, specify that 'education is a primary means of social mobility'.

Common error

Avoid using "a primary means" in overly general statements without specifying the outcome. Instead of saying 'Technology is a primary means', clarify what technology facilitates, such as 'Technology is a primary means of communication'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary means" functions as a noun phrase, identifying the primary method or instrument used to achieve a specific goal or outcome. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, confirming its function as a subject complement or object in sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

43%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a primary means" is a versatile phrase used to denote the main method or way of achieving something. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse fields, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When writing, ensure the context clearly specifies what the means facilitates. Consider using synonyms like "a key method" or "a main way" to add variety to your writing. Avoid overuse without specific context to maintain clarity. With its widespread acceptance and consistent usage, mastering "a primary means" can significantly enhance the precision and impact of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key method

Replaces 'primary' with 'key', emphasizing importance and centrality.

a main way

Substitutes 'primary' with 'main', focusing on the principal avenue or approach.

a principal method

Uses 'principal' instead of 'primary', stressing the foremost or leading technique.

a central avenue

Replaces 'primary means' with 'central avenue', indicating a core pathway or strategy.

a leading approach

Changes 'means' to 'approach' and 'primary' to 'leading', focusing on the most important strategy.

a core strategy

Replaces 'means' with 'strategy' to stress the plan or approach as the primary element.

a major channel

Replaces 'means' with 'channel' and 'primary' with 'major', suggesting a significant route or pathway.

an essential mechanism

Replaces the entire phrase to focus on the fundamental process or system at play.

a vital instrument

Uses 'instrument' in place of 'means' and 'vital' instead of 'primary', highlighting the essential tool or mechanism.

the foremost instrument

Replaces both words with synonyms to highlight the leading tool or device.

FAQs

How can I use "a primary means" in a sentence?

Use "a primary means" to indicate the main way something is achieved. For example, "Education is "a primary means" of upward mobility".

What's a good alternative to "a primary means"?

Alternatives include "a key method", "a main way", or "a central avenue", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the primary means" instead of "a primary means"?

Both can be correct, but they have slightly different implications. "A primary means" suggests one of several important ways, while "the primary means" implies it is the single most important way.

How does "a primary means" differ from "an effective means"?

"A primary means" indicates something is the main method, while "an effective means" suggests a method that produces the desired result, regardless of whether it is the main one.