by means of

USAGE SUMMARY

"by means of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe how an action is accomplished. For example: He accomplished his goal by means of hard work.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are treated by means of psychoanalysis.

The New Yorker

Film proceeds by means of phantom continuity.

The New York Times

By means of a standing army.

The Economist

by means of biotechnological processes?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

By means of the Enlightenment.

The New York Times - Books

By means of 1H n.m.r.

Polymer

by means of the gradient projection method.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

The mountain streams are crossed by means of granite bridges.

Cornell University

replacements by means of rules in graph grammar.

University of California, Berkeley

You can name components by means of the Rename button.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They work by means of something called attribute substitution.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by means of" when you want to emphasize the specific method or instrument used to achieve a particular result. It adds a formal and precise tone to your writing.

Common error

While "by means of" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "through" or "using" in contexts where formality is not essential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by means of" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the method, instrument, or process by which an action is accomplished. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a wide range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

27%

Science

26%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by means of" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate the method or way in which something is accomplished. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in academic, scientific, and formal writing. While it adds precision to your writing, it's essential to avoid overuse, opting for simpler alternatives like "through" or "using" in less formal contexts. Understanding its function and register will help you use it effectively to convey specific methodologies and processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by using

Highlights the action of using something as the method.

via

Offers a more concise prepositional alternative, often used in technical contexts.

through

Replaces the entire phrase with a single, simpler preposition.

by way of

Suggests a pathway or channel through which something is achieved.

with the help of

Emphasizes assistance or support in achieving something.

by application of

Focuses on applying a specific technique or tool.

by virtue of

Indicates achievement due to a specific quality or power.

by implementation of

Highlights the execution or putting into effect of a plan or method.

by dint of

Emphasizes effort and determination as the means of achievement.

through the medium of

Specifies a particular channel or method of communication or action.

FAQs

How can I use "by means of" in a sentence?

"By means of" is used to indicate the method or way in which something is done. For example, "The problem was solved "by means of" careful analysis."

What's the difference between "by means of" and "through"?

While both indicate a method, "by means of" is more formal and emphasizes the instrument or specific method used, whereas "through" is more general. You could use "through" to mean something was achieved "through" hard work.

What can I say instead of "by means of"?

You can use alternatives like ""through"", "via", or "by using" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "by means of"?

While grammatically correct, using "by means of" in very informal contexts might sound overly formal or unnatural. Choose simpler alternatives like "using" or "with" in casual conversation.