methods

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'methods' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the methods or techniques that are used to achieve a certain goal. For example, "Engineers are always developing new methods to make cars more efficient."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

CleanStar has steered clear of monoculture crops in favour of sustainable farming methods.

The Guardian

Diniz says it's not clear why, but one likely explanation is that they are using contraception methods incorrectly.

The Guardian

The clash between Brienne and Sandor was the best of the season, both a showcase for two very different fighting methods and an acknowledgement that the reality of combat is you have to fight dirty to win.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

At fashion boutique Bodice, owner Ruchika Sachdeva offers androgynous design, unconventional cuts and uses traditional methods such as block printing.

The Guardian - Travel

The worldwide growth of Imax and the occasional spectacular success of 3D bolsters the case, even if the distribution landscape is shifting and film-makers find themselves with an increasing array of distribution methods.

The Guardian - Film

New technology has enabled a host of cutting-edge distribution methods to flourish and the argument goes that before long we will all eschew the local multiplex or arthouse in favour of curling up on the sofa with an iPad or congregating in front of a TV to stream new releases.

The Guardian - Film

Like other forms of vivisection, experiments on monkeys should be replaced with non-animal methods that provide results directly relevant to humans.

The Guardian

"We need to initiate research so we can understand the intended and unintended consequences of these methods so that, if we ever do need to deploy them, we can do so in a sensible and effective way".

The Guardian

"We are fascinated by historical and contemporary methods of wallpaper making, and by the possibilities for paper to hold a mark, fold or puncture".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

JIEDDO used "open-source" methods of gathering and analyzing publicly available information.

The Guardian

"But these 'recovery' methods are also used in the context of alien abduction accounts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "methods" when referring to a systematic approach or set of procedures, but consider alternatives like "approaches" or "techniques" for variety and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "methods" as a vague placeholder for more precise terms. Instead of saying "the methods used were effective", specify which "approaches", "techniques", or "procedures" made the methods effective.

Linguistic Context

The word "methods" primarily functions as a plural noun. It refers to the specific ways or procedures used to accomplish a task, conduct research, or achieve a particular outcome. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "methods" is a versatile and frequently used plural noun that refers to the specific procedures or techniques used to achieve a particular outcome. According to Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It appears most often in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using the term, consider being specific about the context to enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "approaches", "techniques", and "procedures" can add variety to your writing. Avoiding overgeneralization and clarifying the type of methods being discussed are key to effective communication. The high source quality and expert rating further confirm its reliability and widespread use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approaches

Refers to a way of dealing with something, implying a strategic or problem-solving perspective.

techniques

Focuses on the specific skills or procedures used to carry out a task.

procedures

Emphasizes a series of actions conducted in a specific order or manner.

processes

Highlights a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.

systems

Implies a set of principles or procedures according to which something is done; an organized scheme or method.

strategies

Focuses on a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim.

ways

A general term for how something is done or how something happens.

means

Refers to a thing or action that is used to achieve an end.

manners

Describes how something is done or happens; a way.

tactics

Focuses on specific actions used to gain an advantage in a situation.

FAQs

How do you use "methods" in a sentence?

Use "methods" to refer to a systematic way of achieving something, like "The scientist used innovative methods to analyze the data".

What are some alternatives to using the word "methods"?

Consider using alternatives like "approaches", "techniques", or "procedures" depending on the specific context.

When should I use "methods" vs "methodology"?

"Methods" refers to specific procedures, while "methodology" refers to the study or description of methods. For example, "The research used quantitative methods" versus "The researcher described the methodology in detail".

Is it correct to say "different methods" or "different method"?

"Methods" is a plural noun, so you should say "different methods" when referring to more than one method. Use "different method" only when comparing a single method to another.