formulate an approach

USAGE SUMMARY

"formulate an approach" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about creating or implementing a plan or strategy to achieve a certain goal. For example, "We need to formulate an approach to this problem that is both effective and sustainable."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Mr. Gore wants to hear a range of voices as he begins to formulate an approach to global affairs that may at times differ from that of Mr. Clinton, Mr. Jentleson said.

The New York Times

In this section, we formulate an approach to the theory of Lie algebroids provided with a general N-connection structure.

Mathematical Sciences

As in academia, mathematicians working in industry need to be able to identify the main issues within a complex problem and formulate an approach to a solution.

Science Magazine

The authors attempted to formulate an approach that will be flexible enough to allow engineers to realize almost any scenario of decision-support.

Procedia Computer Science

We formulate an approach that helps to address these questions, developed around the conceptual core offered by adaptive policy pathways methods and their notion of signposts and triggers.

Environmental Science & Policy

"I just don't know the answer," Spicer said, implying that Trump's team has yet to formulate an approach to LGBTQ issues.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Following this ISG, the industry group formulated an approach for development of the design motion from site-response analysis and its consistent application for SSI analysis.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

In a recent paper, Qi Ding et al [3] formulated an approach to determine a linear regression model for DNA sequences.

Plosone

Psychometric and educational factors were taken into account in formulating an approach to test construction for the FSEP.

BMC Medical Education

However, a more generic approach to skill mix review which has involved the development of a decision support tool for managers, could be a helpful starting point in formulating an approach for local TB services, as could international reviews on the evidence for skill mix [ 17, 18].

BMC Health Services Research

James Dobbins, who tried to formulate an Afghan approach for the Bush administration — and wrote of his frustrations as attention turned to Iraq — told Congress earlier this year that the objective should be to "ensure that fewer innocent Afghans are killed next year than this year".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "formulate an approach" with strong verbs that describe the action taken, for example, "rigorously formulate an approach" or "strategically formulate an approach".

Common error

Avoid pairing "formulate an approach" with weak or redundant verbs (e.g., "start to formulate an approach"). Instead, use strong, descriptive verbs to highlight the action being taken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formulate an approach" functions as a verbal phrase that introduces the development of a strategy or plan. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and the examples demonstrate its role in indicating the beginning of a process or solution.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formulate an approach" is a grammatically correct and professionally appropriate phrase used to describe the creation of a strategy or plan. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It is most commonly found in science, news, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, be sure to pair it with strong verbs to enhance clarity and avoid redundancy. Alternatives include "develop a strategy", "create a plan", and "devise a method", which offer slightly different nuances. Understanding its function and appropriate usage can improve the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop a strategy

Focuses more on the development aspect of the approach.

create a plan

Emphasizes the planning aspect rather than the overall approach.

devise a method

Highlights the systematic nature and specific steps of the approach.

establish a system

Suggests a more structured and organized approach.

design a framework

Implies a skeletal structure upon which to build the approach.

craft a solution

Focuses on finding a resolution to a specific problem.

shape a course of action

Emphasizes the direction and steps taken in the approach.

construct a methodology

Highlights the rigorous and structured nature of the approach.

conceive a scheme

Implies a strategic and often innovative plan.

invent a technique

Focuses on creating a new and potentially unique method.

FAQs

How can I use "formulate an approach" in a sentence?

You can use "formulate an approach" to describe the process of creating a plan or strategy to address a specific problem or achieve a goal. For instance, "The team needs to "develop a strategy" to reduce carbon emissions."

What are some alternatives to "formulate an approach"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "create a plan", "devise a method", or "establish a system". These alternatives convey similar meanings but may have slightly different connotations.

Is it better to say "formulate an approach" or "develop an approach"?

Both "formulate an approach" and "develop an approach" are correct, but "formulate" suggests a more structured and deliberate process of creation, while "develop" implies a gradual and evolving process. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "formulate an approach" and "implement an approach"?

"Formulate an approach" refers to the initial stage of creating or planning a strategy, whereas "implement an approach" involves putting that strategy into action. You "formulate an approach" first, and then you implement it.