widely used method

USAGE SUMMARY

"widely used method" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a commonly used method of doing something. For example: "The scientific method is one of the most widely used methods for conducting research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In Australia, seawalls are the most widely used method of protecting waterfront properties and infrastructure.

The Guardian

So are stock buybacks, the other widely used method of returning cash to investors.

The New York Times

A more widely used method, single containers on flatcars, could also pass through these tunnels.

The New York Times

Electron impact has remained the most widely used method of ionization in mass spectrometry.

Britannica

The most widely used method of preparing a printing plate for such matter is photoengraving (q.v.).

Britannica

Electroporation is a widely used method for introducing macromolecules into cells.

Stanford University

The most widely used method is currently electromagnetic digitization.

NeuroImage

PEG is a widely used method for providing nutritional support.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Flotation is the most widely used method for the concentration of fine-grained minerals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mouth-to-mouth breathing soon after became the most widely used method of artificial respiration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A guide to this widely used method of library of classification, from the web site of the Library of Congress.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "widely used method", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the method is used for. Providing specific examples or elaborating on the method's application can enhance clarity and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "widely used method" without providing sufficient context or justification. Simply stating that a method is widely used does not automatically make it effective or appropriate. Always provide evidence or reasoning to support its use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widely used method" functions as a noun phrase that describes a particular technique or approach that is commonly employed. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples in Ludwig demonstrate the phrase's application across varied disciplines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

Academia

22%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

News & Media

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "widely used method" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a technique or approach that is commonly employed, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase and is found across diverse fields like science, academia, and news media, indicating its versatility. While its frequency suggests reliability, it's essential to provide context and avoid overgeneralization. Remember that a "widely used method" isn't automatically the best; critical evaluation remains key. Consider using alternatives like "commonly employed technique" or "prevalent approach" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonly employed technique

Replaces "method" with "technique" and "widely used" with "commonly employed", offering a slightly more formal tone.

prevalent approach

Substitutes "method" with "approach" and "widely used" with "prevalent", suggesting widespread acceptance and application.

common practice

Similar to "established practice" but slightly less formal, emphasizing the common occurrence of the method.

established practice

Emphasizes the longevity and acceptance of the method by using "established practice" instead.

standard procedure

Highlights the standardized nature of the method, implying it's a routine and accepted way of doing something.

conventional methodology

Presents a more formal and academic alternative using "methodology" instead of "method" and "conventional" in place of "widely used".

popular way

Offers a simpler and more informal alternative, suitable for less technical contexts.

frequently applied strategy

Replaces "method" with "strategy", emphasizing the deliberate and planned nature of the action; "frequently applied" substitutes "widely used".

typical means

A concise alternative that focuses on the typicality of the method.

accepted way of doing things

A more descriptive and less technical alternative, suitable for general audiences.

FAQs

How can I use "widely used method" in a sentence?

The phrase "widely used method" is used to describe an approach or technique that is commonly employed. For example: "Direct sequencing is a "widely used method" for EGFR and KRAS mutation detection."

What are some alternatives to "widely used method"?

Alternatives include "commonly employed technique", "prevalent approach", or "standard procedure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to describe something as a "widely used method"?

Not necessarily. While it often implies acceptance or reliability, a "widely used method" may also be outdated, inefficient, or even harmful. Critical evaluation is always important, regardless of how common a method is.

What's the difference between "widely used method" and "best practice"?

A "widely used method" is simply a common way of doing something, while "best practice" implies that it's the most effective or optimal approach, often supported by evidence. A widely used method isn't necessarily a "best practice".