by what methods

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'by what methods' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when referring to a set of strategies or techniques used to accomplish a task or reach a desired outcome. For example, "We must determine by what methods we can reduce our carbon footprint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

We know who dies, and how, and by what methods.

The New Yorker

Just look at who is trying to stop Iraqis voting and by what methods.

The Guardian

As a result, socialist planners often had no way to know what to produce, by what methods, or in way quantities.

The Washington Post

The question here is this: once the bullets are flying and you are a belligerent, by what methods and weaponry is it legitimate to wage your war?

The Economist

This raises two significant questions for the field: to what extent have previous multivoxel discriminations in the literature been driven by RT differences, and by what methods should future studies take RT and other confounds into account?

NeuroImage

A few years ago, a suicide-prevention group, Lifelink, conducted a minute analysis of suicide in Japan: it was necessary to make strategies of prevention more precise, Lifelink believed — to know exactly who was committing suicide, in which streets, in which buildings, by what methods, and at which times of the day, as though with enough factors in place you could almost catch someone in the act.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Then, for each situation, answer the following questions: By what method is this leader chosen?

The New York Times

Mr. Morrell declined to say by what method the troop request would be sent to Mr. Gates.

The New York Times

Following a parliamentary inquiry, from 2018 annual statistics are expected on the number of dogs leaving Greyhound Board of Great Britain racing and by what method: retired, rehomed, sold or euthanised.

The Guardian - Sport

The steak is "cut and cooked," and although it's not clear by what method, Stubb isn't happy with the results and berates the ancient cook.

The New York Times - Books

By what method, one wonders, could a man so disinclined to get to know other people substantiate an allegation about the majority of humanity?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by what methods", ensure the context clearly indicates a search for specific processes or techniques, rather than general intentions or goals.

Common error

Avoid using "by what methods" when inquiring about the general purpose or goal of an action. Instead, use it to specifically ask about the techniques or procedures employed. For example, instead of "By what methods do you want to improve sales?" use "What are your goals for improving sales?" and "By what methods will you achieve those goals?".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by what methods" functions as an interrogative phrase, specifically used to inquire about the processes, techniques, or strategies employed to achieve a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and is frequently used. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by what methods" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as an interrogative, specifically used to inquire about processes or techniques. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-established in written English. It is most commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using "by what methods", ensure you're seeking specific processes rather than general goals. Alternative phrases like "by which means" or "through what procedures" can offer similar inquiries, as provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by which means

This alternative focuses on the resources or instruments used.

through what procedures

This alternative emphasizes a series of actions conducted in a specific order.

using what techniques

This alternative highlights specific skills or approaches.

via what mechanisms

This alternative implies a system or process through which something occurs.

by what avenues

This alternative suggests a route or way of achieving something.

in what manner

This alternative is a more formal way of asking how something is done.

by what process

This alternative emphasizes a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a goal.

through what strategies

This alternative stresses a carefully designed plan to achieve a specific goal.

with what instruments

This alternative emphasizes the tools or devices used.

by what approach

This alternative highlights a specific style or manner of doing something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the question "By what methods"?

Alternatives include "by which means", "through what procedures", or "using what techniques" depending on the specific context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "By what methods"?

The phrase "by what methods" is best used in contexts where you are specifically inquiring about the techniques, processes, or strategies used to achieve a particular outcome. It is common in academic, scientific, and formal settings.

Is "By what methods" interchangeable with "How"?

While both can inquire about the way something is done, "by what methods" implies a more structured or systematic approach than the more general question "how". For example, “How did you solve this?” is less formal than “By what methods did you solve this?”

What is a common error when using the phrase "By what methods"?

A common error is using "by what methods" when the intention is to ask about the general goal or purpose, rather than the specific techniques used. For example, avoid using "By what methods is your goal?", and instead use "What is your goal?" and “"By what means" will you achieve this goal?”