as a means to guide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a means to guide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing methods or tools that help direct or influence actions or decisions. Example: "The manual was created as a means to guide new employees through the onboarding process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

If you want to use the Aviator's navigation system as a means to guide you to your destination, be warned that it can also get you lost.

Forbes

Hence, the presented model-based framework serves as a means to guide future research efforts in the field of ALD process optimization.

Chemical Engineering Science

As a means to guide vaccine design, we have embarked on an effort to generate a comprehensive neutralizing and non-neutralizing B cell epitope map of RTA.

Immunology Letters

We propose a method to identify gaps in ex situ collections (i.e. gap analysis) of crop wild relatives as a means to guide efficient and effective collecting activities.

Plosone

However, the mere possibility that OET can non-invasively discriminate among embryos based on factors that cannot be seen by conventional means is exciting, and would have numerous possible applications including improved embryo selection for clinical and veterinary IVF, and, as a means to guide embryonic stem cell harvest.

Plosone

Transparent decision models to support the appraisal of public health interventions have been suggested as a means to guide health care decision makers [ 8].

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The mayor's plan was first aired in April as part of a package of proposals meant to guide the city's growth in an environmentally sensitive way over the next two decades.

The New York Times

Rather than the end-product of the study the framework was iteratively refined and developed in the course of the research, serving as a means to design questions, guide the selection and analysis of data and to help formulate explanations about events and trends [ 65].

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

In addition, image-guided axillary procedures have been embraced as a means to diagnose findings and guide patient management.

Insights into Imaging

Medline was searched for investigations using results of SLTs as a means to determine coagulopathy or to guide bleeding management, and the outcomes (i.e. blood loss, transfusion requirements, mortality) were reported.

British Journal of Anaesthesia

We investigated the potential for combining molecular markers with fluorescence imaging to guide OCT as a means to detect neoplastic changes in colon mucosal layer.

Biomedical Optics Express

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a means to guide" to clearly indicate that something is being used as an instrument or method for providing direction or guidance. For example: "The framework was developed "as a means to guide" strategic planning."

Common error

Avoid using "as a means to guide" in very informal or casual writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to help guide" or "to direct" for a more natural tone in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a means to guide" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically indicating the purpose or intention behind an action. It introduces a method or instrument used to provide direction or guidance. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

23%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a means to guide" serves as a purpose connector, commonly found in formal and scientific contexts. According to Ludwig, this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase. It is employed to introduce methods or tools for providing direction or guidance. While versatile, it's advisable to use simpler alternatives in informal contexts. When employing the phrase, ensure it clearly indicates an instrumental relationship. It is considered a useful tool for writers, but can be replaced in less formal communications. The most authoritative sources providing examples for the use of this phrase are The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to direct

Focuses on the intention or purpose of directing something, slightly more direct.

as a way of directing

Emphasizes the manner or method of directing, slightly less formal.

with the aim of guiding

Highlights the intention and goal-oriented aspect of guiding.

serving to guide

Focuses on the function or role of guiding, more passive.

so as to direct

Indicates the purpose or consequence of directing something, more formal.

for the purpose of guiding

Clearly states the intention behind the guiding action, more emphatic.

to provide direction for

Emphasizes the act of providing guidance or orientation.

intended to guide

Focuses on the designed or planned intention of guiding.

designed to direct

Highlights the deliberate construction or plan for directing.

with the intent of guiding

Emphasizes the deliberate intention behind the act of guiding.

FAQs

How can I use "as a means to guide" in a sentence?

Use "as a means to guide" to introduce a method or tool that helps to provide direction. For example, "The new software serves "as a means to guide" users through the complex process."

What are some alternatives to "as a means to guide"?

You can use alternatives like "in order to direct", "as a way of directing", or "serving to guide" depending on the context.

Is "as a means to guide" formal or informal?

"As a means to guide" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "to help direct" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "as a means to guide" and "as a way to guide"?

While both phrases express a similar idea, "as a means to guide" emphasizes the instrumental function, whereas "as a way to guide" focuses on the method or manner of providing direction.