conventional ways

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conventional ways" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to traditional or commonly accepted methods of doing something. Example: "In our research, we found that conventional ways of teaching often overlook the needs of diverse learners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(It was later sold in all the conventional ways).

The New York Times

It is showing its age in some conventional ways.

The New York Times

All teams pursue more revenue, some with greater zeal than others, but usually in conventional ways.

The New York Times - Sports

That's another problem with conventional ways of thinking about this piece.

The Guardian - Music

"We want to disrupt conventional ways of thinking," Mr. Kang said.

The New York Times

We are so much more powerful in all conventional ways than the terrorists.

The New York Times

Business owners are also opting for less conventional ways of maintaining offices.

The Guardian

Defining problems in obvious, conventional ways, not surprisingly, often leads to obvious, conventional solutions.

Harvard Business Review

But it may well unfold in more conventional ways than enthusiasts of "disruptive innovation" had hoped.

The Economist

There are easy, conventional ways for Ms. Lippman to escalate and end her story.

The New York Times - Books

Most of the artists in "Dead or Alive" use organic matter in safe and conventional ways.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for innovation or change, explicitly contrast your proposed method with "conventional ways" to highlight the novelty and potential benefits of your approach.

Common error

Avoid uncritically accepting "conventional ways" as the best or only solution. Always evaluate their effectiveness and consider alternative approaches to ensure optimal outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conventional ways" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to refer to established or generally accepted methods, approaches, or practices. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is widely used across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "conventional ways" is a very common and grammatically sound expression used to denote established or generally accepted methods. According to Ludwig, it is used in diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While the phrase is generally neutral, its communicative purpose often involves contrasting established practices with innovative alternatives. When using "conventional ways", it's crucial to avoid uncritically accepting them and to always consider alternative approaches. Alternatives include "traditional methods", "standard procedures", and "established practices", each offering subtle nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traditional methods

Focuses on the adherence to long-established practices, highlighting the aspect of historical precedence rather than just commonality.

established practices

Emphasizes the aspect of acceptance and routine use within a particular field or organization.

standard procedures

Implies a formally documented and widely recognized method for performing a task.

common approaches

Highlights the widespread adoption of a particular strategy or method.

typical manners

Refers to the usual or expected way of behaving or doing something in a particular context.

orthodox means

Stresses adherence to established or traditional beliefs and practices, especially in a more formal or rigid sense.

customary methods

Indicates methods that are long-established and generally accepted due to historical use.

prevailing norms

Highlights the dominant standards or expectations within a specific group or society.

accepted wisdom

Refers to beliefs or practices that are widely regarded as true or correct, often without critical examination.

general practice

Denotes a routine or habit performed by a group of people.

FAQs

How can I use "conventional ways" in a sentence?

You can use "conventional ways" to contrast established methods with innovative or alternative approaches. For example: "We need to move beyond "conventional ways" of thinking to solve this problem".

What are some alternatives to "conventional ways"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "traditional methods", "standard procedures", or "established practices".

When should I use "conventional ways" instead of "traditional methods"?

"Conventional ways" emphasizes common or generally accepted methods, while "traditional methods" specifically highlights practices passed down through generations. Use "conventional ways" when the focus is on current acceptance, and "traditional methods" when the focus is on historical roots.

Are there situations where "conventional ways" might not be the best approach?

Yes. In situations requiring innovation, creativity, or problem-solving in uncharted territory, relying solely on "conventional ways" might limit potential solutions. Consider exploring unconventional or novel strategies.