through physical means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "through physical means" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or processes that involve tangible, bodily methods or techniques. Example: "The athlete improved her performance through physical means, such as strength training and endurance exercises."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Sometimes, they enforced this safe space through physical means.

The Guardian

Also, some TiO2 nanofluids with good dispersion stability were prepared only through physical means in some research.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Improvement of the performances of the SWCNTs/n-Si SWCNTs/n-Si also been achievedevicesthass thalsoely on alterations achieved through physical means such as light trapping and plasmon enhancement.

Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy

For a more reliable estimate, medical entomologist Ian Burgess of Insect Research & Development Ltd. in Cambridgeshire, U.K., analyzed data from 20 previous studies of treatments that kill lice through physical means, such as lotions that suffocate the insects, but do not kill eggs.

Science Magazine

And I thought about how our culture has used the same primitive forms of storing information through physical means like carving into stone and painting on walls for hundreds of years.

Vice

In her essays, Jerkins is equally critical of the social structures in place to erase the black narrative and the pressures from within black communities to ensure that their daughters conform to white ideals often through physical means, like the arduous process of hair straightening.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The low value of ΔH° (<40 kJ mol−1) indicated that adsorption process occurs mainly through a physical means.

Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

The procedures were initially thought to work through simple physical means: Patients with smaller stomachs wouldn't be able to eat as much, allowing them to lose weight and also giving them an opportunity to reform eating habits.

Harvard University

Land grabs, either through economic or physical means, are, as Teo Ballvé from University of California, Berkeley put it, actually the "last step in a long chain of violent events" perpetrated against small farmers and pastoralists.

The Guardian

The extension of invasive structures, such as invadopodia, allows the tumor cell to penetrate the basement membrane and interstitial stroma through enzymatic and physical means [1] [3].

Plosone

In the future, we predict we will be able to achieve much higher efficiencies of melanocyte derivation by enrichment of either neural crest cells or MELSCs through chemical and/or physical means.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, use "through physical means" to clearly indicate that the action involves tangible, bodily methods rather than abstract or digital ones.

Common error

Avoid using "through physical means" when describing purely intellectual or emotional processes. It is more appropriate for actions involving physical interaction or manipulation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "through physical means" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating the method or way in which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "through physical means" serves as an adverbial phrase specifying that an action is performed using tangible methods. It is grammatically correct and most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While versatile, it should be reserved for situations where physical interaction is indeed involved. Alternatives like "by tangible methods" or "via bodily actions" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Remember, being precise is key. "Through physical means" conveys action through concrete, bodily engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by tangible methods

Focuses on the tangibility of the methods used, emphasizing the concrete nature of the approach.

via bodily actions

Highlights the involvement of the body in performing the action.

using corporeal techniques

Emphasizes the physical and bodily nature of the techniques employed.

through manual processes

Highlights the hands-on aspect of the processes involved.

by way of material intervention

Focuses on the use of material or physical objects to achieve a certain outcome.

through kinetic actions

Highlights the action or movement involved.

with tactile approaches

Emphasizes the use of touch or physical interaction.

using hands-on methods

Focuses on direct, practical engagement.

by means of bodily force

Emphasizes the use of strength and physical power.

via concrete procedures

Focuses on the practicality and definiteness of the procedures.

FAQs

How can I use "through physical means" in a sentence?

You can use "through physical means" to describe actions that involve tangible, bodily methods. For example, "The therapist helped the patient regain mobility "through physical means", such as stretching and massage."

What are some alternatives to "through physical means"?

Some alternatives include "by tangible methods", "via bodily actions", or "using corporeal techniques". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "through physical means" to describe a digital process?

No, "through physical means" is best used to describe actions involving tangible, bodily methods. A digital process would not typically be described this way. Instead, consider "through digital means".

What is the difference between "through physical means" and "by physical methods"?

The two phrases are very similar and often interchangeable. "By physical methods" might be slightly more formal, but the difference is subtle.