use all means

USAGE SUMMARY

"use all means" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to use all methods available to accomplish a certain task. For example, "I will use all means necessary to get this project finished on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bush asks Congress for authority to "use all means" to disarm Iraq.

The New York Times

"They use all means, and the church is one of the means," she said.

The New York Times

"We are here to enforce law and order and to use all means to fight terrorism".

The New York Times

"I am allowed to use all means in my possession," a senior Moroccan intelligence official said.

The New York Times

That means it must use all means of distribution at its disposal.

The Guardian

"We will use all means to counter these attempts to re-interpret history.

The Guardian

Second, the international community should use all means to stop the Russian aggression.

University of California, Berkeley

He vowed to use all means to secure the two men's release.

The Economist

He added: "We will use all means necessary to get these delinquents".

The New York Times

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, has suggested the United Nations use "all means" to help the victims.

The New York Times

For the first, the state must use "all means necessary" to preserve key industries: ie, give carmakers billions of euros.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "use all means", ensure the context clearly defines the scope of acceptable actions. Avoid ambiguity that could imply unethical or illegal methods.

Common error

Avoid using "use all means" in situations where a measured or proportional response is expected. Overusing the phrase can create an impression of recklessness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "use all means" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a clause expressing intent or determination. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a commitment to employing every available method to achieve a goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "use all means" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression signifying a resolute commitment to employ every available resource to achieve a specific objective. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. While adaptable across various registers, it is predominantly found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the scope of acceptable actions to avoid any ambiguity. Alternatives such as "employ all resources", "utilize every avenue", or "exhaust all options" can be used to fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spare no effort

Emphasizes dedication and hard work without limiting the methods.

employ all resources

Focuses on the resources aspect rather than the method itself.

utilize every avenue

Implies exploring different possibilities to reach a specific goal.

exhaust all options

Suggests pursuing every possible choice until none remain.

explore every possibility

Focuses on investigation, seeking all opportunities.

leave no stone unturned

Emphasizes thoroughness in the search or effort.

go the whole nine yards

Suggests doing everything possible, holding nothing back.

pull out all the stops

Implies using maximum effort and resources, often in a celebratory way.

use every trick in the book

Focuses on using cunning or clever methods.

bring out the big guns

Implies escalating the response or using more powerful resources.

FAQs

How can I use "use all means" in a sentence?

You can use "use all means" to express the intention to employ every available method to achieve a goal. For example, "The government vowed to "use all means" to combat the pandemic".

What does "use all means" imply?

"Use all means" suggests that no method or resource will be withheld in pursuing a specific objective. It conveys a sense of determination and thoroughness.

What can I say instead of "use all means"?

Alternatives to "use all means" include "employ all resources", "utilize every avenue", or "exhaust all options" depending on the context.

Is there any situation where using "use all means" is inappropriate?

Yes, using "use all means" might be inappropriate in contexts where ethical considerations or legal constraints exist. It's essential to ensure that the methods employed are justifiable and lawful.