an unconventional method

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unconventional method" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a technique or approach that deviates from traditional or standard practices. For example, "The researcher employed an unconventional method to gather data." Alternative expressions include "a nontraditional approach" and "an innovative technique."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

His many current projects include an electricity-assisted cargo-carrying tricycle, an inexpensive form of insulation inspired by origami, and an unconventional method of generating power with wind.

The New Yorker

Mr. Figueredo, an authority on Paraguay's drug trade, has opted for an unconventional method — among journalists, anyway — for surviving death threats.

The New York Times

In this strange new animated film, writer-director Dash Shaw has made a curious combination of Freaks and Geeks and The Poseidon Adventure as an unconventional method of recounting parts of his high school experience on screen.

The Guardian - Film

By Jon Michaud May 6, 2010 This week, The New Yorker publishes its Innovators issue, which features an Annals of Design story by David Owen about the inventor Saul Griffith, whose current projects include an electricity-assisted cargo-carrying tricycle, an inexpensive form of insulation inspired by origami, and an unconventional method of generating power with wind.

The New Yorker

As an unconventional method, low-frequency vibration production technology is applied for oil recovery enhancement in amounts of oil fields.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Therefore, the aim of this research is to increase the solubility of CO2 in NaCl solution using an unconventional method of ultrasound waves.

Petroleum Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

DealBook »   Goldman's Unusual Takeover Defense  |  In light of the Greg Smith chatter, Floyd Norris recalls an anecdote about Goldman Sachs in the 1960s, in which the firm employed a highly unconventional method of warding off a takeover.

The New York Times

"It's a somewhat unconventional method to weigh in on a very serious issue," Mr. Bearse said.

The New York Times

Chickens are a rather unconventional method of getting rid of millipedes, but they are a natural predator and can keep your millipede population under control for the duration of their lives.

WikiHow

Berkanan is entirely bootstrapped, but Szabo has implemented a somewhat unconventional method of generating revenue.

TechCrunch

This is a rather unconventional method; you could consider using information from other wikiHow articles to add to your article.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with a clear explanation of what the standard method is to provide necessary contrast for the reader.

Common error

Do not use "an unconventional method" to describe a mistake or a failure in process. The term implies a deliberate, often strategic choice to deviate from the norm, rather than an accidental error.

Linguistic Context

This is a noun phrase typically functioning as the direct object of a verb (e.g., 'he used...') or as a subject complement. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it serves to categorize a specific action or tool as being outside the mainstream.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an unconventional method" is a highly effective linguistic tool used to denote innovation and a deliberate departure from traditional practices. According to Ludwig AI and the data analyzed, it is a correct and versatile expression found in top-tier journalism and academic research. It is most frequently used to describe creative problem-solving in science, art and social strategies. While it is interchangeable with terms like "a non-traditional approach", it carries a specific connotation of challenging the status quo. Writers should use it to highlight the unique nature of a process while ensuring they distinguish it from a mere error or accident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a non-traditional approach

Focuses on the departure from long-standing traditions rather than the technicality of the method.

an unorthodox technique

Suggests a stronger defiance of established doctrines or official rules.

an innovative strategy

Highlights the positive novelty and cleverness of the choice.

a novel procedure

A more formal and scientific way to describe a method that has not been used before.

an offbeat tactic

More informal and suggests a quirky or slightly eccentric choice.

a pioneering process

Emphasizes being the first to utilize the specific steps described.

a left-field solution

Idiomatic expression for an unexpected or surprising way to solve a problem.

an alternative system

Suggests the method is one of several options rather than necessarily being 'strange'.

an out-of-the-box modality

Business-oriented jargon for creative problem-solving.

an eccentric way

Personalizes the method by suggesting it reflects a peculiar personality.

FAQs

How do I use "an unconventional method" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a new idea, such as: "The chef used "an unconventional method" to ferment the vegetables."

What can I say instead of "an unconventional method"?

Depending on your tone, you could use "a non-traditional approach", "an unorthodox technique" or "a novel procedure".

Is "an unconventional method" too informal for science?

No, it is frequently used in scientific literature found in Ludwig to describe new experimental setups that differ from the control or standard protocols.

What is the difference between "an unconventional method" and "a novel approach"?

While "a novel approach" focuses on the fact that the method is new, "an unconventional method" specifically highlights that it goes against existing standards or expectations.