process of elimination

USAGE SUMMARY

"process of elimination" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a method of problem-solving or decision-making. For example: "Using the process of elimination, I narrowed down my list of potential job applicants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Process of elimination".

The New York Times - Sports

So, process of elimination.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's a process of elimination".

The New York Times

"Let's go by process of elimination.

The New Yorker

Internships can be a process of elimination.

The Guardian - Money

Handicapping this race is a process of elimination, voters say.

The New York Times

By process of elimination, your desired outcome becomes more plausible.

The New York Times - Science

"It's a process of elimination" a Pentagon official said.

The New York Times

Below, a look at Mr. Sondheim's process of elimination.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

We've written about Measy, the process-of-elimination gadget finding engine, a few times in the past.

TechCrunch

The process-of-elimination screen for SA-ZD has limitations.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "process of elimination", ensure the context clearly outlines the options being considered and the criteria for their removal. This provides clarity and strengthens the logical flow of your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting a conclusion reached through the "process of elimination" as absolutely certain. Acknowledge any remaining uncertainties or limitations in the available evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "process of elimination" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a method or strategy. It refers to the act of identifying a solution or answer by systematically excluding other possibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "process of elimination" is a commonly used and grammatically sound method of describing how to solve problems by excluding other possibilities in different contexts, especially in news and media. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and applicable across different registers, which makes it very versatile.

When using "process of elimination", it's crucial to clearly outline the options being considered and the criteria for their removal, reinforcing the logical flow of your arguments. Common related phrases include "deductive reasoning" or "method of exclusion". This systematic method is used for logical reasons, as is a practical tip to state any uncertainties in the final process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the process of deduction

Emphasizes the logical inference aspect of the elimination process.

deductive reasoning

Focuses on the logical aspect of eliminating possibilities to arrive at a conclusion.

method of exclusion

Highlights the act of excluding options to find the desired outcome.

winnowing process

Implies a careful selection process where unwanted elements are gradually removed.

screening process

Emphasizes a systematic evaluation to filter out undesirable candidates or options.

narrowing down

A more general term for reducing a set of options.

the method of selection

Focuses on the specific technique employed to choose among alternatives.

selection procedure

Describes a formal process for choosing from a range of possibilities.

filtering system

Suggests a structured approach to remove unwanted elements.

the selection criteria

Highlights the standards used to eliminate options.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "process of elimination" in a sentence?

To effectively use "process of elimination", clearly state the initial options and the criteria used to eliminate each one. For example, "We determined the cause of the malfunction through a "process of elimination", ruling out each potential issue one by one".

What are some alternative phrases to "process of elimination"?

Alternatives to "process of elimination" include "deductive reasoning", "method of exclusion", or "winnowing process". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "process of elimination" in formal writing?

Yes, "process of elimination" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to describe a logical method of problem-solving or decision-making. However, ensure that your explanation of the process is thorough and well-supported.

What is the difference between "process of elimination" and "trial and error"?

"Process of elimination" involves systematically ruling out options based on specific criteria or evidence. "Trial and error", on the other hand, involves testing different solutions randomly until one works. The "process of elimination" is typically more methodical and informed.