means of obtaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "means of obtaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing methods or ways to acquire something. Example: "The researchers explored various means of obtaining accurate data for their study."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such rituals coexisted with private offerings and prayers, and all three were accepted means of obtaining divine help.

Wikipedia

The analytical methods proposed should yield the intended results and are the least intrusive analytical means of obtaining those results.

University of California, Berkeley

They have few means of obtaining it.

The Guardian

Surveys are a very common means of obtaining information.

Procedia Manufacturing

2. Potable water 3. Suitable foodstuff or the means of obtaining thereof.

The Guardian

Sea routes, often a means of obtaining larger weapons, have been blocked fairly effectively.

The New York Times

How are such efforts different from traditional means of obtaining weather information?

The New York Times

At the time, the only legal means of obtaining a fresh corpse was from the gallows.

The Guardian

It follows the method of quiet sitting and meditation (zazen) as a means of obtaining enlightenment.

Britannica

A second vote is the only realistic means of obtaining that outcome.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of course, business acquisitions are a crude means of obtaining specific resources.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "means of obtaining", ensure the context clearly specifies what is being obtained and the methods or resources used to achieve it. For example, specify "means of obtaining funding" or "means of obtaining data".

Common error

Avoid using "means of obtaining" in simple contexts where more direct language would be clearer. Instead of "the means of obtaining information", consider using "how to get information" for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "means of obtaining" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the method, resource, or way in which something is acquired or achieved. Ludwig shows that it is used to describe acquiring tangible items (foodstuff) or intangible (knowledge, information)

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "means of obtaining" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes how something is acquired. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from scientific research to news reporting. While versatile, it's essential to use it judiciously, opting for simpler language when appropriate. Consider alternatives such as "methods for acquiring" or "ways to achieve" to prevent wordiness. This phrase functions primarily to describe methods or resources for acquisition and maintains a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for professional and academic discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

methods for acquiring

This alternative replaces "means" with "methods" and "obtaining" with "acquiring", focusing on the systematic way of getting something.

methods of securing

This alternative uses "methods" instead of "means" and focuses on ensuring possession or control.

approaches to securing

This alternative replaces "means" with "approaches" and "obtaining" with "securing", suggesting a strategic or careful way of getting something.

techniques for acquiring

This alternative emphasizes specific methods or skills used in the acquisition.

ways to achieve

This alternative uses more general terms, focusing on the end result rather than the process.

avenues for acquiring

This alternative highlights different paths or opportunities to obtain something.

procedures for securing

This alternative emphasizes a set of formal steps or actions to obtain something.

processes for getting

This alternative emphasizes the steps involved in the acquisition.

strategies for gaining

This alternative focuses on a planned series of actions to achieve a goal.

routes to acquiring

This alternative highlights the path or channel used to obtain something.

FAQs

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

You can use "means of obtaining" to describe the method or way something is acquired. For example: "Surveys are a common means of obtaining information".

What are some alternatives to "means of obtaining"?

Alternatives include "methods for acquiring", "ways to achieve", or "approaches to securing", depending on the specific context.

Is "means of obtaining" formal or informal?

"Means of obtaining" is generally considered neutral to formal. More informal alternatives might include "ways of getting" or "how to get".

What is the difference between "means of obtaining" and "method of obtaining"?

"Means of obtaining" refers to the resources or methods generally, while "method of obtaining" refers to a specific process or technique. They are largely interchangeable, but "means" can encompass a broader range of possibilities than a single "method".