Meaning
Using a particular method or instrument
Primary Function
Prepositional phrase collocation (instrument)
Communicative Purpose
To describe the method used to achieve something
Pattern
by means of;
Core Structure
by means of;
Função primária
Prepositional phrase collocation (instrument)
Propósito comunicativo
To describe the method used to achieve something
Situações de gatilho
Explanations, technical descriptions, formal prose
Contextos
Academic, professional, formal
Padrão
by means of;
Estrutura central
by means of;
Slots de substituição
(syn.) through, via
Colocados típicos
- achieve
- transmit
- communicate
- gain access
- control
Substituições comuns
- through
- via
- using
- with the aid of
Erros comuns
*by mean of (missing 's')
Similar / contraste
by way of (route/manner), through the use of
Interferências
'Means' plural form but singular sense.
Família do chunk
- through the medium of
- via
- with the help of
Nuance
Formal and slightly academic; replaceable with 'using' in less formal.
Efeito pragmático
Technical, precise.
Dica de memória
by means of
Nota
This prepositional phrase is used to describe the method or instrument used to achieve a result. It is more formal than alternatives like 'using' or 'via'.
Upgrade path
using → by using → by means of advanced technology
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