prescriptive approach

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prescriptive approach" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a specific method or set of guidelines is being advocated or followed, particularly in fields like education, linguistics, or policy-making. Example: "The prescriptive approach to grammar emphasizes strict adherence to established rules and norms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A prescriptive approach will not fit every property owner's needs.

The Guardian

This prescriptive approach to English did not win favor everywhere.

The New York Times

Nor is there a widely accepted prescriptive approach for encouraging patient compliance.

The New York Times - Health

I'm not advocating a prescriptive approach to careers delivery, merely a set of reasonable guidelines to clarify expectations.

The Guardian

Since the 1960s, most professional linguists have taken a descriptive rather than a prescriptive approach to the English language.

Independent

This research followed a prescriptive approach by means of action research technique.

Procedia CIRP

His prescriptive approach saw the Communist party and the Soviet Union as embodying the social and political forms that provided the way forward for the British people.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Smalley nonetheless retained an individual voice, and was critical of what he considered to be the over-prescriptive approach of Pierre Boulez.

The Guardian - Music

Gove argued today that his approach would look at how the curriculum can be slimmed down from an "over-prescriptive" approach by the last government that contained too much that was not essential.

The Guardian

But not everyone is satisfied by my non-prescriptive approach.

Huffington Post

However, a non-prescriptive approach may promote a reduction in total energy intake while maintaining fibre consumption.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing methodologies, use "prescriptive approach" to clearly convey that a specific set of rules or guidelines is being followed. It's particularly useful in fields like linguistics, education, and policy.

Common error

Avoid using "prescriptive approach" when you mean to describe how something is actually used or done (descriptive), rather than how it should be done (prescriptive). The terms are often contrasted, so clarity is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prescriptive approach" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its role in specifying a method or strategy that is rule-based or directive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

39%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prescriptive approach" is a commonly used term to describe a methodology or strategy that relies on specific rules and guidelines. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, especially in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure you are accurately representing a method that is indeed rule-based, and be mindful of potential confusion with the "descriptive approach". Alternatives like "directive method" or "rigid system" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

directive method

Focuses more on the act of giving directions or instructions.

rigid system

Highlights the inflexibility and strict adherence to rules.

strict procedure

Emphasizes the precise steps and order required.

inflexible strategy

Implies a lack of adaptability in the planned actions.

mandatory protocol

Indicates that the guidelines are required and not optional.

rule-based methodology

Highlights the reliance on predetermined rules.

standardized process

Stresses uniformity and consistency in application.

formulaic approach

Implies a reliance on a set formula or template.

fixed strategy

Suggests that the approach is predetermined and not easily altered.

coercive measure

Focuses more on the aspect of compelling or forcing compliance.

FAQs

How to use "prescriptive approach" in a sentence?

You can use "prescriptive approach" to describe methods that offer specific recommendations or guidelines, like, "The curriculum follows a "prescriptive approach", outlining exactly what students should learn each week."

What can I say instead of "prescriptive approach"?

You can use alternatives like "directive method", "rigid system" or "strict procedure" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "prescriptive approach" or "descriptive approach"?

"Prescriptive approach" and "descriptive approach" are both correct, but they have opposite meanings. "Prescriptive approach" dictates how something should be done, while "descriptive approach" describes how something is actually done.

What's the difference between "prescriptive approach" and "indicative approach"?

A "prescriptive approach" dictates specific actions or rules to follow, whereas an "indicative approach" merely suggests or points toward possible actions without mandating them.