according to a method

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "according to a method" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referencing a specific procedure or technique that is being followed or cited. Example: "The results were obtained according to a method outlined in the previous study."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The food was paired with excellent house-made baguettes -- crisp and pleasantly chewy -- that are prepared according to a method devised by Charles Van Over.

The New York Times

Sucrose-dependent adhesion of S. mutans MT8148 and S. sobrinus B13 in the late logarithmic phase was determined according to a method described previously43.

Nature

Fatty acid derivatization was performed according to a method proposed by Horak et al. (2009).

AMB Express

AlC4Pc was synthesized and purified according to a method in the literature [22].

Nanoscale Research Letters

The CdTe QDs colloidal solutions were prepared according to a method proposed by Weller's group [24].

Nanoscale Research Letters

The lime requirement (LR) was determined according to a method described by Shoemaker et al. [27].

Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture

The weights were computed according to a method described by Tang ([1992], [1994]) and applied by Zhang et al. ([2010]).

Forest Ecosystems

Redistricting shall be conducted by a politically independent body in each state, according to a method that shall be published and opened for public consultation.

Huffington Post

They were prepared according to a method described previously [33], [34].

Plosone

AGEs-BSA (AGEs) was prepared according to a method previously described [26].

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Molecular weights were determined according to a method described [ 69].

BMC Veterinary Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse. While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on "according to a method" can make your writing sound repetitive. Try using synonyms like "following a procedure" or "based on a protocol" for variety.

Common error

Avoid using "according to a method" without specifying the method itself or providing a clear citation. For example, instead of saying, "The analysis was performed according to a method," specify "The analysis was performed according to the method described by Smith et al. (2010)".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to a method" functions as a prepositional phrase. It typically modifies a verb, indicating how an action was performed. This is evident in examples found by Ludwig, where it describes how experiments were conducted or analyses were performed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "according to a method" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action was performed following a specific procedure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in formal and scientific contexts. To enhance clarity, always specify or reference the method being followed. Alternatives such as "following a methodology" or "in accordance with a procedure" can add variety to your writing. When writing, always avoid vagueness by specifying which "method" you are referencing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following a methodology

Replaces "method" with "methodology", implying a more structured and comprehensive approach.

in accordance with a procedure

Substitutes "method" with "procedure", highlighting a specific set of actions.

pursuant to a technique

Replaces "according to" with "pursuant to", adding a more formal tone, and substitutes "method" with "technique".

based on a protocol

Uses "based on" instead of "according to", focusing on the underlying documentation and replaces "method" with "protocol".

using a specific approach

Replaces "according to a method" with a more general "using a specific approach", allowing for flexibility in describing the process.

as per a defined process

Replaces "according to" with "as per", adding a slightly more informal tone, and substitutes "method" with "process".

following guidelines established

Shifts the focus to adhering to established guidelines rather than a specific method.

adhering to a set standard

Emphasizes compliance with a standard, moving away from the concept of a method.

employing a particular system

Focuses on using a system, which implies a more organized and structured framework than just a method.

in line with a strategy

Positions the action as aligned with a broader strategy, rather than simply following a method.

FAQs

How can I use "according to a method" in a sentence?

You can use "according to a method" to indicate that something was done following a particular procedure. For example, "The experiment was conducted according to a method described in the previous study".

What are some alternatives to "according to a method"?

Alternatives include "following a methodology", "in accordance with a procedure", or "based on a protocol". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "according to a method" or "following a method"?

Both "according to a method" and "following a method" are grammatically correct. "According to a method" is often used when referencing a formally documented or established method, while "following a method" can be more general.

When should I specify the method I'm referring to when using "according to a method"?

Always specify the method or provide a clear reference. Saying "according to a method" without further detail is vague and uninformative. Instead, say "according to a method described by [Author, Year]" or provide a brief description of the method.