adopt an approach

USAGE SUMMARY

"adopt an approach" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of choosing or accepting a method or way of doing something. For example, "The company decided to adopt an alternative approach to problem solving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They adopt an approach known as "unschooling".

The Guardian

But why not adopt an approach that would, where necessary, allow the controlled failure of a major financial institution?

The New York Times

"A foreign minister should not tell lies and should not adopt an approach accusing Turkey," he said.

The Guardian

The private equity model tends to adopt an approach that sees investors exiting their investment after three to five years.

The Guardian

He urged the Obama administration to adopt an approach more protective of the environment through new regulations.

The New York Times

Sarkozy would do well to adopt an approach to fatherhood based on the fundamentals of political survival: incessantly trumpeting the narrowest achievements and the flimsiest knowledge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Overall, General Powell said that the new administration would adopt an approach to Russia not unlike that toward the Soviet Union by the Reagan administration.

The New York Times

Schools are failing white, poor, working-class children and should adopt an approach similar to the British Olympic team to help bolster their performance, a thinktank has recommended.

The Guardian

Why not adopt an approach used by other coalitions, in which the junior party is given three or four ministries to run in their entirety?

The Guardian

For now, the trade commission hopes to adopt an approach that it calls "privacy by design," where companies are required to build protections into their everyday business practices.

The New York Times

As a result, we have started to adopt an approach that emphasizes connectors rather than points and social relational and topokinetic rather than topographic spaces.

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adopt an approach", ensure the approach is clearly defined and relevant to the context. For example, specify the type of approach (e.g., "adopt a holistic approach") for greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that an approach was adopted without specifying what the approach entails. Instead of saying "The company decided to adopt an approach", specify "The company decided to adopt a customer-centric approach to product development."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adopt an approach" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of selecting and implementing a specific method or strategy. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage across diverse contexts, affirming its role in expressing deliberate methodological choices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "adopt an approach" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey the selection and implementation of a specific method or strategy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. To enhance clarity, specify the nature of the approach being adopted. Remember to use alternative phrases like ""implement a strategy"" or "employ a method" to add variety to your writing. "Adopt an approach" is suitable for formal and neutral contexts, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implement a strategy

Focuses on the actual implementation of a plan, implying a more active role than simply adopting it.

employ a method

Highlights the use of a specific technique or procedure, often in a technical or systematic context.

take a course of action

Emphasizes the active decision-making process and the initiation of a specific plan.

embrace a methodology

Suggests a thorough and enthusiastic acceptance of a particular system of methods.

institute a procedure

Implies the formal establishment and introduction of a set of steps or rules.

choose a path

Highlights the selection of a direction or course, often in a more general or figurative sense.

select a technique

Focuses on the deliberate choice of a particular skill or method for a specific task.

opt for a system

Indicates a preference for a structured or organized approach.

assume a stance

Refers to adopting a particular position or attitude, often in response to a specific issue.

go with a plan

Suggests a more informal and straightforward decision to follow a particular course of action.

FAQs

How can I use "adopt an approach" in a sentence?

You can use "adopt an approach" to describe the act of choosing and implementing a specific method or strategy. For example, "The team decided to "implement a strategy" that focused on collaboration."

What are some alternatives to saying "adopt an approach"?

Alternatives include phrases like "employ a method", "take a course of action", or "embrace a methodology", depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate: "adopt an approach" or "adapt an approach"?

"Adopt an approach" means to choose and start using a particular method. "Adapt an approach" means to modify an existing method to better suit a specific situation. The correct choice depends on whether you're starting something new or modifying something old.

When is it best to use "adopt an approach" in formal writing?

It's suitable in formal writing when you need to clearly and concisely state that a particular method or strategy has been chosen and will be implemented. It is appropriate in reports, proposals, and academic papers.