The idiom "by means of" is ussualy used to explain the use of a tool or method with a noun phrase, but is it strictly correct to use it with a verb phrase? For example: "The results are achieved by means of optimizing the parameters." "The distraction was created by means of setting off fireworks."

Can "By means of" be used with a verb phrase?

English Language & Usage Asked by klene1991 on December 5, 2020

The idiom "by means of" is ussualy used to explain the use of a tool or method with a noun phrase, but is it strictly correct to use it with a verb phrase?

For example:

"The results are achieved by means of optimizing the parameters."
"The distraction was created by means of setting off fireworks."

idioms

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