a primary method

USAGE SUMMARY

'a primary method' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the main or best way to do something. For example, "The most effective primary method for teaching this topic is to use interactive activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tests of recall have long been a primary method used by experimental psychologists in the study of human memory processes.

Britannica

Using visuals as a primary method of communication continues a longer trend towards short-form content and diminishing attention spans.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Smoking cessation is a primary method of reducing excess mortality and morbidity.

Contemporary Clinical Trials

Effective contraception is a primary method of preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Contraception

Without claws or sharp teeth, humans' ability to throw a stone or spear was a primary method of hunting for food.

Harvard University

A primary method of regulating these diverse functions is the heme-protein cross-link, an important post-translational modification.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Proteins and Proteomics

In these industries, bolting and riveting are extensively used as a primary method of forming structural joints.

Composite Structures

However, current density logging, as a primary method of reservoir identification, has a lower resolution in identifying thin-layers.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Nature has evolved diverse approaches to fine-tune the structure and function of heme proteins, of which post-translational modification (PTM) is a primary method.

Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics

Joel Johnson, the general manager of Zipcar in New York, said that while the program has quickly gained popularity in urban areas where many people rely on mass transit as a primary method of transportation, the use of Zipcars in the suburbs, where car ownership is the norm, has been a "slow burn".

The New York Times

Undoubtedly, it was the success of Oakland Athletics General Manager Billy Beane — and the popularity of the book (and now movie) "Moneyball" — that made it acceptable to use modern statistics as a primary method of talent evaluation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a primary method", ensure it's clear that this method is considered the most important or effective among other options. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating why this method is preferred.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a primary method" as the only method, unless that is explicitly the case. Acknowledge that alternative methods may exist and might be suitable in specific circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary method" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. As supported by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to denote the most important or frequently used approach.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

31%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a primary method" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that indicates the main or most important approach to a task or problem. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across diverse fields. The phrase is most prevalent in scientific and news contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity about why the specified method is considered primary and avoid overstating its universality. Alternative expressions include "the main approach", "a key strategy", and "the principal means", offering nuanced ways to convey the same basic concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main approach

Replaces "primary method" with "main approach", focusing on the principal way of doing something.

a key strategy

Substitutes "method" with "strategy", implying a planned series of actions.

the principal means

Uses "principal means" to emphasize the most important way of achieving a result.

a leading technique

Replaces "method" with "technique", suggesting a specific procedure or skill.

the foremost tactic

Substitutes "method" with "tactic", implying a maneuver to achieve a goal.

a central avenue

Uses "central avenue" to convey the idea of a main path or direction.

the dominant practice

Replaces "method" with "practice", emphasizing a commonly followed procedure.

a standard procedure

Substitutes "primary" with "standard", indicating a conventional way of doing something.

the chief mechanism

Uses "chief mechanism" to focus on the primary process or system.

a go-to solution

Replaces "primary method" with "go-to solution", suggesting a reliable and preferred approach.

FAQs

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

You can use "a primary method" to describe the most important or effective way of doing something. For example, "Contact tracing is "a primary method" for stopping the spread of Ebola."

What are some alternatives to "a primary method"?

Alternatives include "the main approach", "a key strategy", or "the principal means". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "a primary method" in formal writing?

Yes, "a primary method" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe a main or preferred approach. But avoid overusing it.

What's the difference between "a primary method" and "an alternative method"?

"A primary method" refers to the main or preferred way of doing something, while "an alternative method" is a different approach that can be used instead. For example, "While surgery is "a primary method", physical therapy is "an alternative method"".