be the principal method

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be the principal method" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the main or primary approach to achieving a goal or solving a problem. Example: "In our research, we found that to achieve the best results, we must be the principal method for data collection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Interest rates were to be the principal method of controlling the money supply.

The Guardian

But the unpredictable effects of such operations mean they will not be the principal method by which the Fed tightens monetary policy.Mr Bernanke and his lieutenants are conventionally Keynesian.

The Economist

The list of diseases for which this form of follow-up will be the principal method of prospective case ascertainment includes coronary heart disease/myocardial infarction, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, type-2 diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease (stroke), depression, cancer, and chronic infectious diseases.

European Journal of Epidemiology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Plagiarism has been the principal method of lexicography since the beginning of time".

The New Yorker

Among these techniques, SC is the principal method for low-temperature TiO2 film preparation.

Nano-Micro Letters

Detection of 'sulphur' granules by gram or histologic staining is the principal method of direct detection of Actinomyces.

Insights into Imaging

A locked nail is the principal method used to eliminate rotatory components in femoral and tibial fractures.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

The predominant marital status was single (89.6%) and hanging (93.7%) was the principal method of suicide used.

Psychiatry Research

When smoking marijuana is the principal method of consumption, there is a fast release of THC via inhalation into the general circulation (Huestis [2007]).

Injury Epidemiology

But philosophers far beyond the Marburg School were influenced by Cohen's insistence that the philosophical reconstruction of scientific theories is the principal method of the theory of knowledge, and that its principal topic is mathematically-precise natural science.

SEP

Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) has been the principal method used for the identification and preferential transfer of chromosomally normal embryos, in the context of both preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and screening (PGS).

Reproductive BioMedicine Online

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be the principal method" to clearly communicate that a particular approach is the most important or frequently used in a specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "be the principal method" when the approach is only one of several equally important methods. Ensure it truly is the primary or most significant approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be the principal method" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying a specific approach or technique as the main or primary one. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English, as demonstrated by the various examples provided.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be the principal method" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that identifies the main or primary approach in a given context. According to Ludwig AI, it can effectively communicate the dominance or importance of a specific method, especially in scientific, news, and encyclopedic domains. While not frequently used, the phrase serves a clear purpose in highlighting the most significant technique for a particular goal. When using this phrase, ensure that the method truly is the most important one, and consider alternative expressions, like "serve as the primary technique", for different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve as the primary technique

Replaces "principal" with "primary" and "method" with "technique", slightly altering the tone.

act as the main procedure

Substitutes "principal" with "main" and "method" with "procedure", offering a more straightforward expression.

function as the chief strategy

Replaces "principal" with "chief" and "method" with "strategy", implying a more deliberate and planned approach.

constitute the leading approach

Uses "constitute" to indicate the method's role and "leading" instead of "principal", suggesting prominence.

represent the foremost way

Emphasizes the method as the most important or advanced way of doing something.

be the predominant means

Focuses on the method being the most common or widespread means.

operate as the key mechanism

Highlights the method's role as a crucial element or process.

work as the central tactic

Positions the method as a deliberate and essential part of a plan.

stand as the prime instrument

Elevates the method's significance, portraying it as a fundamental tool.

become the favored avenue

Suggests the method is preferred or selected over other options.

FAQs

How can I use "be the principal method" in a sentence?

You can use "be the principal method" to indicate the main approach or technique used to achieve a particular outcome. For example: "In this study, genome sequencing will "be the principal method" to track parasite evolution".

What are some alternatives to "be the principal method"?

Some alternatives include "serve as the primary technique", "act as the main procedure", or "function as the chief strategy". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate: "be the principal method" or "be a principal method"?

"Be the principal method" suggests that it is the main or primary method. "Be a principal method" suggests that it is one of several important methods. The choice depends on whether the method is the single most important one or just one among several.

Is "be the principal method" formal or informal?

"Be the principal method" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, as shown in examples from news articles, scientific papers, and encyclopedia entries. Its formality will depend on surrounding vocabulary.