by simple means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by simple means" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe achieving something using straightforward or uncomplicated methods. Example: "The project was completed by simple means, requiring only basic tools and minimal resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Raw and uneven, without a shred of comfort, Manon Lescaut ambushes by simple means.

The Guardian - Music

The technical result, reached by simple means, always gave me great satisfaction.

Columbia University

But for "Mercy," "Our working axiom has been, 'The feeling of opulence by simple means,' " Ms. Hamilton said.

The New York Times - Arts

The arsenic "rich" groundwater where it cannot be avoided for drinking purposes can be treated by simple means to remove most arsenic.

Columbia University

Basin irrigation was achieved by simple means, and multiple cropping was not feasible until much later times, except perhaps in the lakeside area of Al-Fayyūm.

Britannica

After the scandal broke, for 15 months, the government was able to keep a lid on the Deepcut affair by simple means.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Missing items were handled by simple mean imputation on AQ and SPPA-R.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Even technophiles may compromise themselves by simpler means.

The Economist

But before you join the crowd, ask yourself what you want a trust for and whether you can accomplish your aims by simpler means.

Forbes

As a control to determine whether the same degree of activity improvement could be achieved by simpler means, we analyzed the activity distribution for 4 sets of variants.

BMC Biotechnology

Drying can be accomplished either by very simple means such as near ambient, solar drying or by waste heat flows or by specifically designed dryers operation the location.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a solution or approach, use "by simple means" to emphasize efficiency and ease of implementation. This is especially useful when contrasting it with more complex or costly alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "by simple means" when the method described is actually quite complex or requires specialized knowledge. This can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by simple means" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. It specifies that something is achieved through straightforward or uncomplicated methods. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and provides various real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by simple means" is a useful adverbial phrase that indicates something is achieved through straightforward or uncomplicated methods. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. It is most commonly found in scientific and news-related sources. While it conveys ease and efficiency, it's important to avoid overstating simplicity when the method is complex. Related phrases include "through basic methods" or "via uncomplicated procedures". Using "by simple means" effectively emphasizes practicality and pragmatism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by straightforward methods

Highlights the directness and clarity of the methods.

through basic methods

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the methods used.

using elementary techniques

Highlights the simplicity and straightforwardness of the techniques.

through easy processes

Focuses on the user-friendliness of the processes involved.

via uncomplicated procedures

Focuses on the ease and lack of complexity in the procedures.

by unsophisticated methods

Emphasizes the lack of complexity.

with minimal effort

Stresses the reduced level of exertion required.

using readily available resources

Highlights accessibility and ease of procurement.

with basic tools

Stresses the use of fundamental and easily accessible tools.

in a rudimentary fashion

Emphasizes the unsophisticated approach.

FAQs

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

You can use "by simple means" to describe how something is achieved easily or without much complexity. For example: "The problem was resolved "by simple means", requiring only a basic understanding of the system."

What phrases are similar to "by simple means"?

Similar phrases include "through basic methods", "using elementary techniques", or "via uncomplicated procedures", which all emphasize ease and lack of complexity.

Is it always appropriate to use "by simple means"?

While generally acceptable, "by simple means" should be used judiciously. Ensure that the method you're describing truly is simple and doesn't require significant expertise or resources. Overstating simplicity can be misleading.

What's the difference between "by simple means" and "by simpler means"?

"By simple means" implies the method is inherently straightforward. "By simpler means" suggests a comparative ease, implying it's easier than an alternative. For instance, "We fixed it "by simpler means" than initially planned" indicates an easier alternative was found.