by the same means

USAGE SUMMARY

"by the same means" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to using the same method or approach as previously mentioned. Here is an example: "John passed his driving test by the same means as his sister – by practicing regularly and following the rules of the road."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

We showed that rills and subsurface micropipes are characterized by the same erosion processes, meaning that they can be contrasted and eventually halted by the same means, and we observed a clear positive trend that will substantially suppress rilling at very low plant cover (no more than 20%).

CATENA

I write her also by the same means.

The Guardian

They assume that renouncing faith can be achieved by the same means as rejecting a view about, say, the validity of British government policy in Iraq.

The Guardian - Opinion

By the same means, they feed stricken trees, nurture some saplings (their "most beloved child") and restrict others to keep the community strong.

The Guardian

Noel asked how Blair had managed to stay up till 7am on election night, and Blair replied, "Probably not by the same means as you did".

The Guardian

You could see this kind of architecture as having an ennobling social purpose, acknowledging that souls should be fed by the same means that bodies are sheltered.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

If sport is violence by other means, then reality TV is cruelty, envy, spite and group hate … by exactly the same means.

The Guardian - Film

It will come in the form of other people finding it, guided to the story by precisely the same means I wrote it.

Huffington Post

In our design, this problem can be solved at the webserver side by the same mean, which enables it to know it should not send the entry to the base server.  .

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

The process is the same means by which the sun converts hydrogen to helium.

The New York Times - Arts

The rabbi from Borough Park became influential through the same means employed by the oil baron from Houston and the entertainment lawyer from L.A.: giving politicians bushels of money.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by the same means", ensure that the context makes it absolutely clear what 'means' you are referring to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "by the same means" if the original method is unclear or has not been explicitly stated. This can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your writing. Instead, restate the method or use a more descriptive phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the same means" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate how an action is performed. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and used to refer to a previously mentioned method or approach.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by the same means" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used to refer back to a previously mentioned method or approach. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, followed by scientific articles. While appropriate for both formal and neutral settings, writers should ensure clarity by referencing the previously stated method and avoiding vagueness. Consider alternative phrases like "using the same method" or "with the same approach" to add variety. Using "by the same means" is concise when avoiding unnecessary repetition is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with the same approach

Underscores the overall strategy or plan used.

adopting the same strategy

Highlights using the same plan of action.

using the same method

Focuses on the specific method employed.

following the same process

Highlights adherence to a specific sequence of actions.

in the same fashion

Highlights the manner or style in which something is done.

by equivalent measures

Emphasizes the comparable actions taken.

through similar channels

Emphasizes the route or medium used to achieve a result.

utilizing similar techniques

Focuses on the specific skills or methods applied.

via identical procedures

Concentrates on the established steps or processes.

through parallel avenues

Emphasizes the similar paths or routes taken.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "by the same means"?

Consider alternatives like "using the same method", "through similar channels", or "with the same approach" depending on the nuance you want to convey. See other alternatives "using the same method", "through similar channels", and "with the same approach".

Is "by the same means" formal or informal?

"By the same means" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, though alternatives might be preferred in highly informal settings.

What does "by the same means" actually mean?

It indicates that something is achieved using the same method, process, or instrument previously mentioned.

How to use "by the same means" in a sentence?

Example: "The data was collected through surveys, and the follow-up data was gathered "by the same means"."