way of proceeding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "way of proceeding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a method or approach to doing something, often in formal or academic contexts. Example: "The researchers outlined their way of proceeding in the methodology section of the paper."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a stupid and reprehensible way of proceeding, though Gordon Brown did it too.

The Guardian - Opinion

This way of proceeding also demands that people accept wind turbines.

The Guardian

The reader has to become familiar with a narrative manner, a tone, a way of proceeding.

The Guardian - Books

It seems to me to be a perfectly rational way of proceeding".

The New York Times

The conferees appear to have devised an ingenious way of proceeding.

The New York Times

He believed in his intuition and that that was a much more efficient way of proceeding.

Harvard University

But if she was a ruthless serial killer, she seemed to have a curiously dilatory way of proceeding.

Independent

It began with the traditional avant-garde way of proceeding — painting pictures on canvas — and ended up in devising a radically new approach to making art.

The New York Times - Arts

By the 1950s, independence in production had become a normal way of proceeding, because so many stars (such as Burt Lancaster) formed their own production companies.

The Guardian - Film

It's a deliberately once-over-lightly way of proceeding, and professional philosophers and self-styled sophisticates will bail out before the second chapter.

The New York Times - Books

Rattle's may have been a less anxious way of proceeding for the players, but it made them uninspiring company for the audience.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "way of proceeding" in formal writing to describe a structured or methodical approach to a task or situation. This adds a layer of professionalism and clarity to your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "way of proceeding" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler terms like "method" or "approach" are often more appropriate and natural in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "way of proceeding" functions as a noun phrase that describes a manner or method by which something is done. It is often used to provide a formal or descriptive account of how a task is approached, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "way of proceeding" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to describe a method or approach. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is versatile, appearing in contexts ranging from science and news to formal business communications. While it's more suited for formal settings, overuse in informal contexts should be avoided in favor of simpler alternatives like "method" or "approach". The phrase is often utilized to inform about a process or technique used and its formality level makes it fit especially well within academic and scientific fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

method of operation

Focuses on the specific steps and techniques used in a process.

course of action

Emphasizes the sequence of steps taken to achieve a goal.

approach

A more general term referring to a strategy or method.

procedure

Highlights a set of established steps for a particular task.

manner of operation

Similar to "method of operation" but emphasizes style or behavior.

system of operation

Highlights the systematic nature of the approach.

means of conducting

Focuses on the tools or resources used in a process.

style of working

Emphasizes the personal or characteristic manner of performing tasks.

process

A broad term referring to a series of actions leading to a result.

technique

Focuses on the specific skills or methods used.

FAQs

How can I use "way of proceeding" in a sentence?

You can use "way of proceeding" to describe a method or approach to doing something, such as: "The company's "method of operation" was deemed inefficient" or "The scientists outlined their "approach" in the research paper".

What are some alternatives to "way of proceeding"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "method of operation", "course of action", or simply "approach".

Is "way of proceeding" suitable for both formal and informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "way of proceeding" is more suited for formal or academic writing. In informal contexts, simpler terms like "method" or "approach" may be more appropriate.

Which is more precise, "way of proceeding" or "method of operation"?

"Method of operation" often refers to the specific steps and techniques used, while "way of proceeding" can encompass a broader strategy or philosophy. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.