means of

USAGE SUMMARY

'means of' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is used to accomplish a task or goal. For example, "We will use modern technology as a means of improving productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

De means "of".

WikiHow

De means "of" and menos means "less".

WikiHow

Means of travel?

The New York Times

It's my means of expression".

The New Yorker

Killing is a means of spreading fear.

The Economist

Import quotas offer another means of protectionism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are another means of enforcing reforms.

The New Yorker

Stories were her means of survival.

The New Yorker

A means of preserving their legends?

The New Yorker

They are treated by means of psychoanalysis.

The New Yorker

Film proceeds by means of phantom continuity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "means of", ensure that the noun following "of" clearly indicates what is being used to achieve a particular outcome or purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "means of" followed by a vague or unclear noun. Be specific about the method or tool being employed to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "means of improvement", specify "means of improving efficiency".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "means of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun, or as an adverbial phrase indicating how something is accomplished. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

26%

Wiki

24%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "means of" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to indicate the method or way something is accomplished. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across various contexts. While generally neutral to formal, it's important to ensure the noun following "of" is clear and specific. Alternatives like "method for" or "way to" may be suitable depending on the context. As highlighted by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, the phrase is common in news, wiki, and scientific sources, reflecting its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

method for

Focuses on the process or technique used.

way to

Emphasizes a path or course of action.

mechanism for

Highlights a system or process that facilitates an outcome.

instrument for

Suggests a tool or device used to achieve something.

avenue for

Implies a route or channel for reaching a goal.

vehicle for

Emphasizes something that carries or facilitates a result.

channel for

Highlights a pathway or medium through which something is achieved.

process for

Focuses on a series of actions taken to accomplish a goal.

system for

Highlights an organized set of procedures or components.

approach to

Suggests a particular strategy or method of dealing with something.

FAQs

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

Use "means of" to indicate a method or way to achieve something. For instance, "Education is a "means of" personal growth".

What are some alternatives to "means of"?

You can use alternatives like "method for", "way to", or "mechanism for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "by means of" instead of "means of"?

Yes, "by "by means of"" is also a correct and more formal way to express the same idea as ""means of"".

What's the difference between "means of" and "way of"?

While both phrases indicate a method, ""means of"" often suggests a more formal or official approach, whereas "way of" is generally more informal.