other means

USAGE SUMMARY

"other means" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a different method of achieving a goal. For example: "We thought that advertising our new product on television would be effective, but we had to rely on other means to get our message out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Illustration by Other Means.

The New Yorker

War by other means.

The Guardian - Film

War is carried on by other means.

The Guardian

— in effect, extinction by other means.

The New York Times

AGRICULTURE is war by other means.

The Economist

Criticism was socializing by other means.

The New Yorker

Well, there are other means.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the other means more".

The New York Times - Magazine

Protest is occurring by other means.

The New York Times

Other means have also been tried.

The New York Times

Manifestly, "all other means" have failed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "other means" to clearly indicate that alternative methods are being considered or employed, especially when the primary method has failed or is not feasible.

Common error

While "other means" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Instead, consider more specific and descriptive alternatives such as "alternative methodologies" or "different strategies" to enhance clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "other means" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a preposition (e.g., "by", "through") or as a direct object, indicating alternative methods or resources. As supported by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "other means" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates the use of alternative methods or resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and widely accepted expression. It is versatile and suitable for various contexts, though more specific alternatives may be preferred in highly formal writing. Its prevalence in news, science, and business contexts highlights its broad applicability, while related phrases like "alternative methods" and "different approaches" offer similar meanings. When using "other means", ensure clarity by specifying the context and alternatives when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alternative methods

Emphasizes a choice between different procedures or techniques.

different approaches

Highlights the variety of strategies that can be employed.

varied tactics

Focuses on specific actions taken to achieve a goal.

separate avenues

Suggests distinct paths or channels for reaching an objective.

alternative courses of action

Highlights other choices regarding a plan or path forward.

distinct strategies

Focuses on planned actions that are clearly distinguishable from each other.

other routes

Implies different paths or ways to achieve something.

separate ways

Suggests different paths or manners of achieving a task.

various recourses

Focuses on the options or sources of help available.

any other ways

Simply emphasizes exploring all available options

FAQs

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

You can use "other means" to indicate that alternative methods are being used to achieve a goal. For example, "If direct negotiation fails, we will have to explore "other means" of resolving the dispute."

What are some alternatives to "other means"?

Some alternatives to "other means" include "alternative methods", "different approaches", and "varied tactics", depending on the specific context.

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

No, the correct phrase is "by other means". The word "means" is plural even when referring to a single method or resource in this context.

What's the difference between "other means" and "alternative solutions"?

"Other means" generally refers to different methods or resources, while "alternative solutions" specifically suggests different ways to solve a problem. The phrase "alternative solutions" is more problem-focused.