chief means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chief means" is not commonly used in written English and may be unclear without context.
It could be used when discussing the primary or most important method or way of achieving something, but it is better to clarify the meaning. Example: "The chief means of communication in our organization is through email."

✓ Grammatically correct

General writing

Academic

News

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The chief means something to me, too.

The New York Times - Sports

Its chief means of transmission, he holds, is the family.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Faculty- and housestaff-written evaluations constitute the chief means of student assessment in medical education.

Journal of Surgical Education

Walking is the chief means of transportation, with donkeys second.

The New York Times

Sycophancy is said to be the party's reigning passion, diktat its chief means of making decisions.

The Economist

Motor vehicles are prohibited: horse-drawn carriages are the chief means of transportation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The control of body lice is the chief means of prevention.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Being an effective IMF chief means more than having a nice turn of phrase.

The Guardian - Business

To increase a low birth rate, he outlawed abortion, long the chief means of birth control.

The New York Times

"The chief means of travel will be walking," Gruen said, of his reimagined metropolis.

The New Yorker

Government should be the chief means by which we achieve collectively, what we cannot achieve individually.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, especially in less formal contexts, consider replacing "chief means" with simpler alternatives like "main method" or "primary way".

Common error

Avoid using "chief means" in casual conversation; it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for more straightforward language like "main way" or "key method" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief means" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the most important or primary method, way, or instrument to accomplish a particular goal or outcome. As Ludwig AI describes, it is a 'phrase' but its high frequency makes it correct in several contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chief means" is a grammatically sound and relatively formal phrase used to describe the primary way to achieve something. While Ludwig AI suggests that it is correct, it also advises rephrasing for better clarity in some contexts. Its usage is prevalent in news, encyclopedias, and scientific domains. For less formal settings, consider alternatives like "main method" or "primary way".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main method

Focuses on the primary approach, simplifying the phrasing.

principal way

Highlights the leading or foremost manner of achieving something.

primary avenue

Emphasizes the main channel or route for achieving a goal.

key strategy

Focuses on the essential plan or approach.

foremost technique

Highlights the most important technical approach.

central mechanism

Emphasizes the core process or system involved.

dominant mode

Stresses the prevailing method or style.

leading instrument

Highlights the primary tool or means used.

prime facilitator

Focuses on the main enabler or aid.

chief determinant

Highlights the main factor influencing an outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "chief means" in a sentence?

"Chief means" is used to describe the most important or primary way of achieving something. For example: "The "chief means" of transportation in the city is the subway system."

What are some alternatives to "chief means"?

You can use alternatives like "main method", "principal way", or "primary avenue" depending on the context.

Is "chief means" formal language?

Yes, "chief means" is considered formal language. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

Is it grammatically correct to use "chief means"?

Yes, the phrase "chief means" is grammatically correct and widely used in formal writing and speech.