procedure

USAGE SUMMARY

'procedure' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a process or set of specific steps that need to be followed to complete a task. For example, "Our company has a strict procedure that must be followed when submitting an expense report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The MPs and peers suggested that the new legislation should list every intrusive capability available to the security services and specify their purpose, authorisation procedure and what safeguards and oversight procedures exist for their use.

The Guardian

When asked if he would read the currently unreleased pages into the congressional record, Paul demurred and said "we're going to try the normal legislative procedure first and see how that goes".

The Guardian

Her mother Elena told the Manchester Evening News that Oxford needed to look closely at its interview procedure.

The Guardian

It should not be as long and protracted a leadership campaign as in 2010, and thanks to Ed Miliband it will be the first to be conducted under a genuine one member, one vote procedure.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's a high-profit procedure," he explains.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Delivering his six-minute defence as a staid Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, looked on, Obama concluded by saying the procedure had saved lives.

The Guardian

Belton told Guardian Australia that hospitalisation isn't always necessary, as in other states and territories the procedure is often carried out by GPs who have done diplomas in obstetrics and gynaecology, as well as in freestanding abortion clinics.

The Guardian

When I was older, he invited me to watch the procedure, but I declined.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There is a risk of becoming too task-focused," he tells me later, "of getting caught up in a single procedure, while losing sight of the bigger picture".

The Guardian

"If they fine you €40,000 you can't pay, so that's a reason to shut down the organisation and begin a criminal procedure against the head of the organisation".

The Guardian

After being approached by the Guardian, the bank issued Lynn an apology, saying its policy was not to require GRCs to change a customer's title and that the staff Lynn dealt with had failed to follow procedure.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always ensure that the "procedure" aligns with relevant regulations and ethical guidelines to maintain compliance and integrity.

Common error

Avoid using overly general terms when outlining a "procedure". Provide enough detail so that anyone familiar with the context can replicate it accurately. Remember to include required documents or data.

Linguistic Context

The word "procedure" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a specific method or a series of steps taken to accomplish a task. According to Ludwig AI, the term generally follows standard grammar rules and exhibits versatile usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "procedure" is a versatile noun frequently used to describe a specific method or series of steps taken to accomplish a task. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, formal business settings, and scientific domains. Related phrases like "established process" or "standard protocol" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings, enhancing clarity and precision in writing. Remember to provide detailed steps when outlining a "procedure" to avoid ambiguity and ensure compliance with relevant guidelines.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

established process

Emphasizes the formal and well-defined nature of the procedure.

standard protocol

Highlights adherence to accepted conventions and rules.

official methodology

Focuses on the structured approach and methods employed.

systematic approach

Stresses the organized and methodical nature of the procedure.

defined course of action

Indicates a clear and predetermined sequence of steps.

specified routine

Highlights the repetitive and predictable nature of the procedure.

prescribed method

Emphasizes that the method is required or recommended.

accepted practice

Focuses on the widespread acceptance and use of the procedure.

operational guideline

Suggests that the procedure provides guidance for operations.

practical steps

Refers to real-world steps used for doing or building something.

FAQs

How to use "procedure" in a sentence?

The term "procedure" can be used to describe a method for performing a task, a series of steps to accomplish an end, or a surgical operation. For example, "Ensure that you follow procedure when accessing customers' personal information."

What can I say instead of "procedure"?

You can use alternatives like "method", "process", or "routine" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "procedure" or "process"?

Both "procedure" and "process" are correct but have slightly different meanings. A "procedure" is a specific method or series of steps, while a "process" is a more general course of action.

What's the difference between "procedure" and "protocol"?

While both terms relate to established methods, "procedure" generally refers to a set of actions for completing a task, whereas "protocol" often denotes a formal set of rules or guidelines to be followed in a specific situation.