a principal mode

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a principal mode" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a primary or main method, approach, or way of doing something in various contexts, such as academic writing or technical discussions. Example: "In our research, we identified a principal mode of communication that significantly enhances collaboration among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In this method, a variable stiffness vibration absorber is used for controlling a principal mode.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Ferry is a principal mode of transport in the southern part of the state, especially in the Sundarbans area.

Wikipedia

The G+C content of the enrichment reads demonstrated a principal mode similar to the single cell datasets and N. maritimus (suggesting a large proportion of AOA in the enrichment), as well as a higher G+C component attributed to sequences from the bacteria present in the culture.

Plosone

Despite advances in vector control and attempts to develop effective vaccines, chemotherapy remains a principal mode of malaria control.

BMC Genomics

This observation could be explained by decreased rates of aggression because bites are thought to be a principal mode of virus transmission.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Thus, the tape machine is used as a notating device, and the principal mode of communication is oral.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We refer to the eigenvector u max corresponding to the largest eigenvalue λmax at a given frequency as the principal mode of oscillation for that frequency and the coherence of electrode sites was obtained by the absolute value square of the eigenvector (Purdon et al., 2013).

eLife

It appears, based on the tests, that delamination does not represent the principal mode of failure for a wooden beam retrofitted with SRP.

Composites Part B: Engineering

We graduated into these works from young adult fare that set the stage for future appreciation of literature and formed a lifelong habit of reading as our principal mode of gaining insight.

Huffington Post

Commonly referred to as a nucleosome occupancy assay, it shares same principal mode of action (enzymatic cleavage) and can provide information on TF occupancy as other chromatin accessibility assays.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

Delamination is not a principal failure mode.

Acta Materialia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a principal mode", ensure it clearly identifies the most important or common method, manner, or state being discussed. Avoid using it when referring to something of lesser significance.

Common error

Avoid using "a principal mode" in contexts where simpler alternatives like "main way" or "primary method" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a principal mode" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies a main or dominant method, manner, or state of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, as demonstrated in various examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a principal mode" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote the primary or main method, manner, or state in a given context. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for formal, academic, and technical writing where precision is valued. While less common in everyday conversation, its usage is consistently found across authoritative sources such as Encyclopedia Britannica and The New York Times. Be mindful to avoid overuse in simpler contexts where more straightforward alternatives like "main method" would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a primary method

Replaces "principal" with "primary", emphasizing the fundamental nature of the method.

a main approach

Substitutes "principal mode" with "main approach", focusing on the main way of doing something.

a key method

Replaces "principal" with "key", highlighting the importance of the method.

a leading method

Uses "leading" instead of "principal", indicating that the method is at the forefront.

a chief means

Replaces "mode" with "means", emphasizing the method as a way to achieve something.

a predominant style

Substitutes "principal mode" with "predominant style", focusing on a prevailing manner or fashion.

a primary avenue

Replaces "mode" with "avenue", suggesting a path or route.

a central tendency

Replaces "principal mode" to reflect the statistical meaning.

a prevailing form

Substitutes "principal mode" with "prevailing form", referring to a common or widespread manner.

a dominant channel

Replaces "mode" with "channel", referring to a means of conveying something.

FAQs

How can I use "a principal mode" in a sentence?

Use "a principal mode" to describe the main or most common way something is done or occurs. For example, "Chemotherapy remains "the principal mode" of treatment for various cancers."

What are some alternatives to "a principal mode"?

You can use alternatives like "a primary method", "a main approach", or "a key method" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "principal mode" or "primary mode"?

Both "principal mode" and "primary mode" are acceptable, but "principal" often implies a higher degree of importance or dominance. Choose the word that best reflects the intended emphasis.

In what contexts is "a principal mode" most appropriate?

"A principal mode" is most appropriate in formal, academic, or technical writing where a precise and somewhat elevated tone is desired. It is often used to describe a main method or process in fields like science, engineering, or social sciences.