for alternative means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for alternative means" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing different methods or ways to achieve a goal or outcome. Example: "We should consider for alternative means to reduce our carbon footprint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

There is certainly room in academia for alternative means to judge the competency of scholarship.

The New York Times

Arguments and ideas for alternative means and ends of "development" fill the soft, hot, February air of Dakar.

The Guardian

The same may be said for the city's attempt to reduce traffic congestion by providing for alternative means of transportation.

Cornell University

Amtrak's supporters in Washington argue that the grounding of all flights after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks showed the need for alternative means of transportation.

The New York Times

One safety manager told the Independent that his company would soon be looking for alternative means of transportation, which will probably mean trucking it out.

The New Yorker

Throughout the semester we will look for alternative means and untapped opportunities to identify and develop socially and technologically innovative approaches, methodologies, and tools.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

§ 65.8 Procedures for approval of alternative means of emission limitation.

Cornell University

You can ask for an alternative means of verification, like a specially assigned PIN, or a series of questions known as "dynamic" authentication.

The New York Times

If the disclosure requirements prove too cumbersome for issuers, alternative means of exemption can be sought.

TechCrunch

Hence one must either look for an alternative means of producing elaborating explanation, or give up the predictive ambitions of the theory.

SEP

The well recognised problems associated with current analgesia techniques and the increasing medicalisation of childbirth has led many women to look for an alternative means of relieving pain in labour [ 10].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “for alternative means” to introduce innovative solutions or strategies that challenge traditional methods, showing that you are looking for different ways to reach a specific goal. Consider a sentence like: “Recognizing the limitations of current methods, we are exploring "for alternative means" of data collection to enhance the accuracy of our research.”

Common error

Avoid using "for alternative means" when simply looking for additional options, not necessarily replacements. The phrase implies a need to deviate from a standard or insufficient approach. For simple variations, use terms like "additional options" or "other choices" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for alternative means" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the reason or method by which something is being done. As seen in Ludwig, it often expresses the need to find different approaches when standard ones are insufficient.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for alternative means" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that introduces the concept of seeking different methods or approaches, particularly when standard methods are inadequate. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is most commonly used in News & Media and Scientific contexts, and it maintains a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, clarity and consideration of the context are key to ensure its proper application, choosing more direct and precise alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for different methods

Emphasizes the variety of methods available, focusing on their distinct nature.

for other approaches

Highlights the existence of different strategies or ways of tackling a situation.

in lieu of traditional methods

Specifies that these means replace established practices.

as a substitute

Implies replacing one thing with another, focusing on the act of substitution.

by way of workaround

Focuses on using a method to overcome a problem or limitation.

through innovative techniques

Highlights the novel or cutting-edge nature of the methods.

using novel strategies

Focuses on the novelty of methods employed.

via unconventional routes

Emphasizes that the methods are not typical or standard.

with resource to other avenues

Implies finding different possibilities.

employing varied tactics

Highlights the use of a range of different strategies.

FAQs

How can I use "for alternative means" in a sentence?

You can use "for alternative means" to introduce the idea of finding different methods or approaches to achieve a goal when the standard methods are insufficient or undesirable. For example, "Due to budget constraints, the company is looking "for alternative means" of marketing its products."

What are some alternatives to "for alternative means"?

You can use alternatives like "for different methods", "for other approaches", or "using novel strategies" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "alternative means" or "different means"?

Both "alternative means" and "different means" are grammatically correct, but "alternative means" implies a need to replace a standard or existing method, while "different means" simply suggests exploring various options without necessarily replacing anything.

What does "for alternative means" imply about the original method?

Using the phrase "for alternative means" often suggests that the original method is either ineffective, undesirable, or no longer viable, prompting a search for a replacement or workaround. It indicates a problem that requires a different approach.