method of elimination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "method of elimination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a systematic approach is taken to eliminate options or possibilities in order to arrive at a conclusion or solution. Example: "To solve the math problem, we used the method of elimination to narrow down the possible answers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

So what's your preferred method of elimination?

The New York Times - Magazine

The method of elimination would presumably be left to Paul Ryan, noted reaper of deer and catfish.

The New York Times

In problems where there was more than one unknown, he had to use a method of elimination of a common unknown between two equations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Clearly, the method of elimination yields a conclusion of truth only if two assumptions are fulfilled.

SEP

Sylvester's dialytic method of elimination is used to compute the required discriminant.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The "ethnographic method" infers social learning, and thus culture, based on a method of elimination of three factors: genetic, ecological, and individual learning.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

In addition the high rate of failure in terms of distant metastases, suggests that residual malignant cells either in the primary site or elsewhere may require more effective and additional systemic methods of elimination if cure is to be achieved.

British Journal of Cancer

Even though these products are very effective, they are not guaranteed to kill all of the spiders, so they are best used in combination with more active methods of elimination and to prevent new spiders from coming back.

WikiHow

This result proved the applicability of the novel method for elimination of the diffusion and concentration effects by a more reliable and convenient method than other known methods.

Polymer

He chose a method of space elimination that is common to middle and late 16th-century Italian painters known as Mannerists, and at the same time he probably recalled late Byzantine paintings in which the superposition of heads row upon row is employed to suggest a crowd.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A parameter describing the efficiency of this method of vibration elimination was introduced.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a problem-solving approach, use "method of elimination" to highlight a systematic process that narrows down possibilities by discarding options.

Common error

Avoid using "method of elimination" when the process is not systematic or logical; if options are discarded randomly, a more appropriate term might be "guesswork" or "chance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "method of elimination" functions as a noun phrase that describes a systematic technique used to narrow down possibilities by discarding options. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "method of elimination" is a grammatically sound and useful term for describing a systematic approach to problem-solving, particularly when options are narrowed down by discarding alternatives. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it appears most frequently in scientific contexts, it also finds use in news and encyclopedic sources. For more informal situations, alternatives like "process of elimination" may be suitable. When employing the "method of elimination", ensure a logical process for discarding options, to avoid simple guesswork. Remember that the phrase conveys a sense of order and precision, aligning with its common use in academic and technical fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

process of elimination

Focuses on the act of systematically excluding possibilities.

elimination technique

Emphasizes the systematic approach used for eliminating options.

removal strategy

Highlights the planning and execution aspect of the removal.

eradication procedure

Implies a complete and thorough removal of something undesirable.

deletion method

Directly refers to the act of deleting or removing something.

selection by rejection

Highlights that identifying something is done by rejecting other options.

systematic exclusion

Focuses on the methodical and organized aspect of excluding options.

winnowing process

Refers to separating desirable elements from unwanted ones.

triage approach

Implies prioritizing and dealing with items based on importance or urgency to exclude the rest.

sifting method

Implies the act of filtering through a set of options to identify the best ones.

FAQs

How can I use "method of elimination" in a sentence?

You can say, "To solve the complex equation, we employed the "method of elimination" to systematically reduce the variables".

What is an alternative to using the phrase "method of elimination"?

Alternatives include "process of elimination", "elimination technique", or a "removal strategy", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "method of elimination" in formal writing?

Yes, "method of elimination" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic, scientific, or technical contexts where systematic processes are discussed.

What distinguishes "method of elimination" from other problem-solving techniques?

The "method of elimination" specifically involves discarding options to narrow down possibilities, whereas other problem-solving techniques might involve creating solutions, brainstorming, or direct analysis.