their modus operandi

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "their modus operandi" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's method of operating or their typical way of doing things, often in a context related to behavior or procedures. Example: "The detective studied the suspect's modus operandi to identify patterns in their criminal activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's their modus operandi.

The Guardian - Opinion

And that's not been their modus operandi.

The New York Times - Sports

Their modus operandi is telling, too.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their modus operandi was character assassination.

The New Yorker

Anger and frustration soon became their modus operandi.

The Guardian - Opinion

By necessity their modus operandi was an exercise in defending.

The Guardian - Sport

Their popularity has not altered, nor has their modus operandi.

The Guardian - Music

Finally, political parties will have to change radically their modus operandi.

The Economist

What, precisely, is their modus operandi, apart from stopping the opposition playing?

The Guardian - Sport

"It's their modus operandi," he said, citing other shows produced by Mr. Weissler.

The New York Times

I think journalists hide a lot about themselves and their modus operandi.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "their modus operandi", ensure the subject (the 'their') is clearly defined and understood by the reader to avoid ambiguity. Clarify who or what 'their' refers to early in the text.

Common error

Avoid using "their modus operandi" in very casual or informal settings. It's generally perceived as a formal expression, and its use in colloquial conversations may sound unnatural or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their modus operandi" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific method of operation or a characteristic pattern of behavior. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Sport

7%

Opinion

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "their modus operandi" is a noun phrase that refers to a characteristic method of operation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and conveys a sense of formality and precision. While it effectively describes habitual patterns, it should be avoided in overly casual settings. Alternatives like "their usual method" or "their typical approach" may be suitable for simpler communication. Understanding its usage helps ensure clarity and appropriateness in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their usual method

Focuses on the typical way they do things, emphasizing routine.

their typical approach

Highlights their common way of dealing with situations.

their standard procedure

Emphasizes the established or official way they operate.

their operating style

Refers to their distinct way of carrying out activities.

their habitual practice

Highlights actions they regularly perform, emphasizing habit.

their common practice

Focuses on practices that are generally observed by them.

their established routine

Indicates a fixed pattern of behavior they follow regularly.

their go-to strategy

Highlights their preferred plan or method when facing challenges.

their working method

Refers specifically to how they conduct their tasks or work.

their signature move

Implies a distinctive action or technique particularly associated with them.

FAQs

How can I use "their modus operandi" in a sentence?

"Their modus operandi" refers to their method of operating or way of doing things. For example: "The investigation revealed that their modus operandi involved a series of shell corporations."

What's a simpler way to say "their modus operandi"?

You could use alternatives like "their usual method", "their typical approach", or "their standard procedure" depending on the specific context.

Is "modus operandi" singular or plural?

"Modus operandi" is singular, referring to a single method or way of operating, even when describing a group ('their modus operandi').

How does "their modus operandi" differ from "their strategy"?

"Their modus operandi" describes a habitual pattern or method of operation, whereas "their strategy" refers to a specific plan designed to achieve a particular goal. The former is about how they typically operate, while the latter is a specific course of action.