methods to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'methods to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a variety of methods to achieve something. For example, "I researched different methods to save money on groceries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

■ Use other methods to reduce bills.

The Guardian - Money

Some methods to research include "E.M.D.R".

The New York Times

"They use criminal methods to keep power".

The New York Times

There are proven methods to reduce accidents.

The New York Times

Again Robbins applied cartoon methods to serious ends.

The New York Times - Arts

We discovered new methods to improve the immune system.

The New York Times - Magazine

Other states are using different methods to press for change.

The New York Times

Now Conte is applying similar methods to injury research.

The New York Times - Sports

T. Rowe Price also uses both methods to control arbitrage.

The New York Times

They're very different methods to putting clothing on your back.

The New York Times

You need to invent your own methods to remember them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "methods to", ensure that the verb following "to" is in its base form (e.g., "methods to improve", not "methods to improving").

Common error

Avoid using a gerund (verb ending in -ing) directly after "methods to". The correct structure is "methods to + base verb" (e.g., "methods to analyze", not "methods to analyzing").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "methods to" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing an infinitive clause. It specifies the purpose or means by which a certain outcome can be achieved. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing numerous examples where "methods to" precedes a verb, indicating an action to be taken.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "methods to" is a grammatically sound and versatile construct used to introduce the means or actions required to achieve a specific objective. As Ludwig AI indicates, it enjoys widespread use across diverse contexts, including news reporting, scientific research, and business communications. While it is crucial to ensure the verb following "to" is in its base form, as emphasized in the writing guidance, mastering this phrase allows for clear and effective communication. Alternatives like ""ways to"", "techniques for", and "approaches to" can be used to add variety, but "methods to" remains a solid and reliable choice for conveying procedural information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ways to

This alternative is a simpler and more general term to describe different approaches.

techniques for

This alternative focuses on specific procedures or skills used to accomplish a task.

approaches to

This alternative emphasizes the overall strategies or perspectives used to deal with a problem or situation.

strategies for

This alternative highlights the planned series of actions designed to achieve a particular goal.

procedures for

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the established or official ways of doing something.

means to

This alternative is a concise way of expressing the resources or methods available to achieve something.

tactics for

This alternative is more specific and refers to the actions that are planned to gain a strategic advantage.

systems for

This alternative refers to a set of things working together as parts of a mechanism or an interconnecting network.

formulas for

This alternative suggests a set of instructions for doing something.

processes for

This alternative describes a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.

FAQs

How can I use "methods to" in a sentence?

Use "methods to" to introduce actions or processes for achieving a specific goal. For example, "We are exploring different "ways to" reduce carbon emissions".

What are some alternatives to using "methods to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like ""ways to"", "techniques for", or "approaches to" as substitutes for "methods to".

Is it correct to say "methods of" instead of "methods to"?

While "methods of" is grammatically correct, it's usually followed by a noun or gerund (e.g., "methods of analysis"). "Methods to" is used with a verb in its base form (e.g., "methods to analyze").

What's the difference between "methods to improve" and "strategies to improve"?

"Methods to improve" refers to specific procedures or techniques aimed at enhancement. "Strategies to improve" implies a broader, more comprehensive plan or set of actions designed for the same purpose.