through regular channels

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "through regular channels" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of getting something done the normal or typical way. For example, "I tried to get special permission for the event, but it couldn't be arranged, so we had to go through regular channels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Jim has advised governments previously through regular channels.

The Guardian

Students must apply separately through regular channels for admission to the MD program.

Stanford University

In addition, 76percentt of students obtain credit cards by responding to general advertising and applying through regular channels, not through on-campus marketing.

The New York Times

If Trump was working for Russia, it would be logical to assume he'd need some way of actually learning what Russia desired — which would be difficult through regular channels, given they'd be monitored.

The Washington Post

But those offered this "new life in a safe country, free from persecution and violence" have not taken the offer up.Australia admits about 200,000 immigrants a year through regular channels.

The Economist

The statement from the ex-Stripes added, "Third Man Records will continue to put out unreleased live and studio recordings from the White Stripes in their Vault subscription record club, as well as through regular channels".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

As members of Congress explored how the loan was granted, Siskel dug through the evidence and built an argument that the loan went through the regular channels.

Los Angeles Times

Yet, sometimes even franchised dealers rely on gray market suppliers, particularly when they are unable to obtain sufficient stock of a popular model through their regular channels.

The New York Times - Arts

Except that you have to remember to click on the widget button, which is still an unnatural act, instead of just surfing through the regular channels.

TechCrunch

McConnell was careful not to attack Trump's remarks, but said he welcomed the review through the regular channels of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Los Angeles Times

One is to cool the batteries through the regular channel, and the other minimizes the heat accumulations in the middle pack of batteries through jet cooling.

Journal of Power Sources

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "through regular channels" when you want to emphasize adherence to established processes or procedures, especially when alternative, possibly faster, routes are available but not being used.

Common error

Don't assume your audience knows what the "regular channels" are. Briefly clarify the process, especially if it might be unfamiliar to some readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "through regular channels" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb and indicating the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage, illustrating how processes are intentionally routed via established methods. The examples demonstrate this across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "through regular channels" signifies following established and conventional procedures. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a grammatically correct and widely used phrase. It is particularly useful when contrasting standard processes with alternative methods. Examples from Ludwig show its relevance across news, academic, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what those channels entail for your audience, avoiding assumptions about their understanding. While alternatives like "via established procedures" or "through standard protocols" exist, "through regular channels" remains a versatile and recognized way to convey adherence to established processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

via established procedures

Emphasizes the use of well-known, long-standing methods.

through standard protocols

Focuses on adhering to specific, documented guidelines.

using normal procedures

Highlights the use of everyday, typical methods.

following official channels

Implies adherence to formally recognized routes.

by conventional means

Stresses the use of accepted, traditional methods.

through the proper channels

Highlights adherence to correct and appropriate routes.

through prescribed methods

Suggests the use of methods that are officially recommended or required.

in the usual way

Simple and direct, indicating a lack of deviation from typical practice.

according to protocol

Highlights adherence to a specific set of rules or procedures.

using standard avenues

Indicates utilizing common and recognized routes or paths.

FAQs

How can I use "through regular channels" in a sentence?

You can use "through regular channels" to describe a process that follows the standard or typical procedures. For example, "The application was submitted "through regular channels" and is currently under review".

What's an alternative to saying "through regular channels"?

Alternatives include phrases like "via established procedures", "through standard protocols", or "using normal procedures", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "through official channels" or "through regular channels"?

Both phrases are correct, but "through official channels" implies a more formal or bureaucratic process than ""through regular channels"", which can refer to any standard process.

What does it mean to do something "through regular channels"?

Doing something ""through regular channels"" means following the normal or typical procedures established for that task or process, rather than seeking shortcuts or unofficial routes.