a primary mode of communication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a primary mode of communication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the main or most important way in which people convey information or interact with each other. Example: "In today's digital age, texting has become a primary mode of communication among teenagers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Many doctors just out of medical school, like other people in their 20s, are accustomed to texting as a primary mode of communication, so they may embrace Health Taps exchange of bare-bones information.

The New York Times

Ray Valdes, an analyst with Gartner Research, said the real-time reactions to the trial and the verdict reflected the gradual adoption of the Web as a primary mode of communication throughout the day.

The New York Times

Locked-in syndrome (LIS) is defined by quadriplegia (or quadriparesis) and aphonia (or severe hypophonia) with a primary mode of communication by eye movements or blinking.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

a An uppercase 'D' is used when referring to Deaf communities to represent those who identify as members of the community, and who use a sign language as their primary mode of communication.

Functional Linguistics

"In the same way the browser revolutionized the way we access information 15 years ago, WebRTC promises to enable the browser to become a primary mode of video and audio communication and will reshape the billion dollar communications market".

TechCrunch

It is the primary mode of communication in a global business such as ours.

The New York Times

In some instances, patients may prefer to meet face-to-face with their CCSP in the cancer clinic, while waiting for a scheduled appointment or treatment, although telephone calls are the primary mode of communication in the CCS intervention.

Clinical interventions in aging

Because text messaging has become the primary mode of communication for most students, Remind101 has developed a mobile platform — with apps for iPhone, iPad and Android — that allows teachers to quickly send reminders to both students and teachers via text or email.

TechCrunch

For them, texting has become the primary mode of communication.

The Guardian

"Maria and I had spent so much time together it felt as if we could read each other's minds," Tom confides (sadly for the prurient reader this does indeed seem to be their primary mode of communication).

The New York Times - Books

It is also easy to forget that in the '60s and '70s, music was the rock generation's primary mode of communication with itself, in much the same way that computers are today.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how different generations interact, specify the context. For example, instead of just saying "texting is a primary mode of communication", specify "texting is a primary mode of communication among teenagers for social interactions".

Common error

Avoid using "a primary mode of communication" without specifying the context or group. It's more effective to clarify who uses it and why. Instead of "email is a primary mode of communication", consider "email remains a primary mode of communication in professional settings because of its formality and record-keeping capabilities."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary mode of communication" functions as a noun phrase identifying the main method or channel through which information is exchanged. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that this phrase appears in various contexts, indicating its widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a primary mode of communication" is a versatile phrase used to describe the main method of exchanging information, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's considered grammatically correct and is commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts. While the phrase itself is appropriate for various settings, it is crucial to provide context and specify which group or setting the mode applies to in order to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "main communication channel" or "principal means of communicating" can be considered to diversify writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main communication channel

Replaces "mode" with "channel", implying a more direct route for communication.

principal means of communicating

Substitutes "primary mode" with "principal means", offering a more formal tone.

key communication method

Replaces "mode" with "method", suggesting a structured approach to communication.

dominant form of communication

Uses "dominant form" instead of "primary mode", emphasizing prevalence.

chief way of interacting

Focuses on interaction rather than pure communication, changing the verb.

leading method of conveying information

Highlights the conveyance of information, emphasizing a specific aspect of communication.

most used communication style

Focuses on style, which implies a specific manner of communication.

preferred avenue for communication

Suggests choice or preference in the method of communication.

essential tool for communication

Highlights the importance of mode as a tool to enable communication.

fundamental communication process

Emphasizes the basic nature of the mode as a process, rather than a method.

FAQs

How can I use "a primary mode of communication" in a sentence?

Use "a primary mode of communication" to describe the main way information is exchanged. For example, "For deaf communities, sign language is "a primary mode of communication"." This indicates that sign language is the main method they use to communicate.

What's a more formal alternative to "a primary mode of communication"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "principal means of communication" or "dominant form of communication". These alternatives convey a similar meaning but sound more professional.

Is it correct to say "the primary mode of communication are"?

No, the correct phrasing is "the primary mode of communication is". "Mode" is singular, so it requires a singular verb. If you're referring to multiple modes, use "primary modes of communication are".

What's the difference between "a primary mode of communication" and "a secondary mode of communication"?

"A primary mode of communication" is the main or most frequently used method, while "a secondary mode of communication" is a supplementary or less frequently used method. For example, face-to-face conversation might be primary, while email is secondary.