an efficient means of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an efficient means of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing methods or ways to achieve something effectively. Example: "Using renewable energy sources is an efficient means of reducing carbon emissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First, they are an efficient means of packaging.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bubble columns are potentially an efficient means of achieving this.

Chemical Engineering Science

Mailing tainted letters, he said, "is far from being an efficient means of disseminating anthrax".

The New York Times

In economics, neoconservatives believe that markets are an efficient means of allocating goods and services.

Britannica

A well-developed cluster also provides an efficient means of obtaining other important inputs.

Harvard Business Review

In particular, committees are an efficient means of aggregating a wide variety of information and perspectives.

Columbia University

Finance ought to provide an economy with an efficient means of allocating capital.

The New York Times

By contrast CMCs exhibit inelastic strain mechanisms that provide an efficient means of redistributing stress.

Acta Materialia

Cogeneration systems are recognized as an efficient means of supplying heat and power for industrial processes.

Applied Thermal Engineering

Analytical elasticity solutions provide an efficient means of performing a first approximate analysis in foundation engineering.

Computers and Geotechnics

This provides an efficient means of separation of the carbon dioxide from the reformer.

Carbon Dioxide Capture for Storage in Deep Geologic Formations Results from the CO2 Capture Project

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an efficient means of", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the specific type of efficiency being discussed (e.g., time, cost, energy).

Common error

Avoid using "an efficient means of" without specifying why it's efficient. Instead of saying "X is an efficient means of communication", specify if it's efficient in terms of time, cost, or reach. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an efficient means of" functions as a noun phrase functioning as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts. It describes a method or approach that achieves a desired result with minimal waste of resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an efficient means of" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes a resourceful method. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various domains, including science, news, and business. While highly common it's important to provide specific details to justify the statement of efficiency (like specifying efficiency of time, costs, energy, reach etc). Alternatives like "an effective way to" or "a practical method for" can be used to avoid repetition, or to fine tune the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an effective way to

Replaces "means" with "way", focusing on the method's effectiveness.

a practical method for

Highlights the practicality of the method, emphasizing real-world applicability.

a streamlined process for

Suggests a method that is simplified and efficient, focusing on reducing unnecessary steps.

an optimized approach to

Implies that the method has been refined to achieve maximum efficiency.

a resourceful strategy for

Emphasizes the ability to use available resources effectively to achieve a goal.

a productive route to

Focuses on the outcome and the yield of the process.

a valuable technique for

Highlights the worth and usefulness of the method.

a smart solution for

Implies intelligence and ingenuity in addressing a problem.

a time-saving shortcut to

Focuses primarily on the efficiency in terms of time reduction.

a cost-effective alternative for

Highlights the economic efficiency of the method.

FAQs

How can I use "an efficient means of" in a sentence?

Use "an efficient means of" to describe a method or process that achieves a desired outcome with minimal waste of resources. For example: "Using solar power is "an efficient means of" generating electricity."

What are some alternatives to "an efficient means of"?

You can use alternatives like "an effective way to", "a practical method for", or "a streamlined process for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very efficient means of"?

While not grammatically incorrect, saying "very efficient means of" can be redundant. Consider using alternatives like "highly effective way to" or rephrasing to emphasize the degree of efficiency through specific details.

How does "an efficient means of" differ from "an effective means of"?

"Efficient" emphasizes minimizing waste and maximizing output, while "effective" simply focuses on achieving the desired result. "An efficient means of" implies resourcefulness and optimization, while "an effective means of" highlights the success in achieving the intended outcome, regardless of the resources used.