an ongoing means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ongoing means" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a method or approach that is continuously in use or active over time. Example: "The organization has established an ongoing means of communication to ensure all team members are informed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Further, by developing relational means of regulating distressing emotions and reactions and an ongoing means of checking in with each other for course adjustments, parents can learn to help each other navigate the shifting terrain of childrearing during a time of war (Gewirtz et al. 2008).

Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mobile phones helped save lives in Haiti after the recent earthquake, not only by identifying where survivors were amidst the rubble, but also by providing an easy and ongoing means by which the rest of the world could donate money toward disaster relief.

Huffington Post

Against the backdrop of increasing operational tempo, the Deployment Health Surveillance Program was established to provide a systematic, prospective and ongoing means of assessing and understanding the health effects of operational deployment on ADF personnel.

BMC Psychiatry

But according to Atlanta officials, an ongoing investigation means the video cannot be released.

Vice

I find that most business owners formed their board to complement their "weak areas" and provide an ongoing, structured means of soliciting feedback.

Huffington Post

A commitment for the future An ongoing dialogue means a real commitment to the inclusion of children.

Unicef

It seems likely that, as we hear more about the design of the competition, the foci of the scheme will be narrowed and, I hope, that some ongoing means of aiding potential competitors will be brought in.

The Guardian

The agency's food safety efforts would see the biggest boost $109 million, or 4%—as part of an ongoing overhaul meant to cut down on foodborne illness, mandated by 2011's Food Safety Modernization Act.

Science Magazine

The £80m NT Future building project, still ongoing, meant that the Cottesloe theatre would be closed while it was transformed into the Dorfman, which left the management with two choices if they wanted a full quota of three working auditoria.

Independent

We checked in with Detroit lawyer Nathan Resnick, a municipal bankruptcy expert, and with his help we'll try to explain what an ongoing court hearing means, and where Detroit stands in its efforts to turn around its finances.

Los Angeles Times

This hypothesis is currently being investigated in an ongoing study assessing mean arterial level optimization through Doppler-based resistive index (RI) in patients with septic shock (NCT01473498).

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an ongoing means" to clearly indicate that a method, system, or resource is not just a one-time solution but a continuous process or tool. This is particularly effective in contexts requiring sustained effort or attention.

Common error

Avoid using "an ongoing means" when describing temporary or short-term solutions. This phrase implies a long-term, continuous approach. Ensure the context accurately reflects a sustained effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ongoing means" functions as a noun phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. As shown by Ludwig, it describes a continuous method or resource.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ongoing means" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes a sustained or continuous method or resource. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is appropriate for formal, professional, and academic contexts, particularly in describing strategies or systems. While versatile, it's important to avoid using it for temporary solutions, ensuring the context accurately reflects a long-term approach. Alternatives like "a continuous method" or "a sustained approach" can be used depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a continuous method

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the method.

a sustained approach

Highlights the maintained effort or strategy.

a continuing resource

Focuses on the sustained availability of a resource.

a persistent strategy

Stresses the unwavering nature of the strategy.

a permanent solution

Implies a long-lasting resolution to a problem.

an enduring system

Highlights the lasting quality of the system.

a constant practice

Emphasizes the regularity of the practice.

a routine procedure

Focuses on the established and repeated nature of the procedure.

a standing arrangement

Highlights the continuous and recognized agreement.

an established channel

Focuses on the recognized and maintained communication path.

FAQs

How can I use "an ongoing means" in a sentence?

Use "an ongoing means" to describe a method or resource that is continually available or in use. For instance, "The company implemented "an ongoing means" of gathering customer feedback to improve its services."

What are some alternatives to "an ongoing means"?

You can use alternatives such as "a continuous method", "a sustained approach", or "a continuing resource" depending on the specific context. Each alternative emphasizes different aspects of the continuous process.

Is there a difference between "an ongoing means" and "a temporary solution"?

"An ongoing means" implies a continuous and sustained effort, while "a temporary solution" is intended for short-term use. They are contrasting concepts and shouldn't be used interchangeably.

Which contexts are best suited for using "an ongoing means"?

This phrase is well-suited for describing strategies, systems, or resources that require sustained attention, such as in business planning, scientific research, or long-term project management.