alternative means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alternative means" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing different methods or ways to achieve a goal or outcome. Example: "In order to reduce costs, the company is exploring alternative means of production."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The latter alternative means increased unemployment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So Foursquare pursued an alternative means of raising the capital.

The New Yorker

RBS is exploring alternative means to achieve separation and divestment.

The Guardian - Business

Apple, Samsung and the rest have alternative means of support.

The Economist

Nitriding provides an alternative means of hardening a steel surface.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Having an alternative means of provision should things go wrong is not an end in itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

More sustainable vehicles Cars will be lighter, powered by smaller engines or alternative means of propulsion.

The Guardian

In this case, the means has significant moral advantages over some alternative means.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nevertheless, there were alternative means of gaining admittance to the ground.

The Guardian - Sport

"I've surmounted these challenges not because I'm strong, but because the alternative means dying.

The New York Times

The big question is this: Will he offer the Palestinian people peaceful alternative means to independence?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "alternative means", ensure the context clearly indicates what the original or primary means is for clarity. For example, 'Due to budget cuts, the company sought alternative means of advertising'.

Common error

Avoid using "alternative means" when a simpler term like "alternative" or "other options" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alternative means" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a preposition or verb. Ludwig indicates this is a correct and usable English expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "alternative means" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that functions as a noun phrase. It suggests the existence of different options for achieving a specific outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is frequently seen in diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While versatile, writers should consider the potential for redundancy and use simpler terms when appropriate. When using, be sure to establish clearly what the original "means" is to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alternative methods

Replaces "means" with the more specific term "methods", implying a structured approach.

other options

Substitutes both "alternative" and "means" with simpler terms focusing on choice.

different approaches

Emphasizes the difference in method rather than just the existence of an alternative.

another way

Simplifies the phrase to its most basic components, suitable for informal contexts.

backup plan

Implies a contingency, a plan to be used if the primary plan fails.

plan B

A short and widely used option for "backup plan".

secondary route

Suggests a different path or process to achieve the same goal.

workaround solution

Highlights the problem-solving aspect, implying a way to overcome an obstacle.

substitute measures

Focuses on actions taken as a replacement for the original plan.

contingency strategy

Emphasizes the preparedness aspect of having an alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "alternative means" in a sentence?

Use "alternative means" when you want to suggest there are other ways of achieving a goal when the original method is not viable. For example: 'If traditional methods fail, we will explore "alternative means"'.

What can I say instead of "alternative means"?

You can use alternatives like "alternative methods", "other options", or "different approaches" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "alternate means" instead of "alternative means"?

While "alternate" and "alternative" are sometimes interchangeable, "alternative means" is the more common and widely accepted phrase in this context. "Alternate" typically implies a recurring sequence, whereas "alternative" indicates a choice between possibilities.

When is it appropriate to use "alternative means" in formal writing?

It's appropriate to use "alternative means" in formal writing when discussing strategies, solutions, or approaches in a structured and serious context. However, simpler terms might be preferable for informal communications.