“By means of” is a formal prepositional phrase commonly used in academic writing and appears frequently in IELTS examinations. Understanding how to use this phrase correctly can significantly enhance your writing and speaking performance.
Similar to By means of + noun, this structure helps express methods or ways of doing something in a more sophisticated manner, making your language more academic and precise.
Understanding the grammar structure of by means of
Basic Structure and Usage
The basic structure follows:
Subject + Verb + by means of + noun/noun phrase
Examples:
- Scientists collect data by means of satellite technology.
- The company improved efficiency by means of automated systems.
- Students can access course materials by means of the online platform.
Application in IELTS Writing Task 2
When writing essays, Use of ‘it means that’ and similar formal expressions can help achieve a higher band score. Here’s how to incorporate “by means of” effectively:
Example Essay Excerpt:
“Modern cities solve transportation problems by means of integrated public transit systems. While some argue that personal vehicles provide more convenience, governments can reduce traffic congestion by means of efficient metro networks and bus services.”
IELTS Writing Task 2 sample using by means of
Common Collocations and Examples
By no means is it easy to solve complex problems without proper guidance. Here are common collocations:
- By means of technology
- By means of communication
- By means of education
- By means of research
- By means of innovation
Tips for Higher Band Scores
To achieve Band 7+ in IELTS, combine “by means of” with other formal expressions. In keeping with academic standards, use variations like:
- Through the use of
- Via
- Through
- By way of
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Using “by means” without “of”
Incorrect: The data was collected by means surveys
Correct: The data was collected by means of surveys -
Using with gerunds
Incorrect: By means of studying hard
Correct: By means of systematic study -
Following with verbs
Incorrect: By means of learn
Correct: By means of learning methods
Remember to use this phrase sparingly and naturally in your writing and speaking to maintain authenticity while demonstrating sophisticated language use.
