method
method — noun
1. A planned set of steps that you follow to achieve a particular result, often one
A planned set of steps that you follow to achieve a particular result, often one that has been tried and tested.
Sahil developed a new method for cleaning solar panels using only water and a soft brush.
method for + gerund
The Kim family uses an old method to preserve vegetables for the winter months.
method to + infinitive
Asher's method of studying involves reading each chapter three times at different speeds.
This teaching method has been used in Japanese classrooms for over fifty years.
There are several methods for removing red wine stains from cotton fabric at home.
- technique
emphasises practical skill and hands-on application; often used for arts, sports, crafts
- approach
broader than method; includes attitude and overall strategy, not just steps
- procedure
more formal than method; suggests an official, fixed set of steps in a workplace or institution
- system
suggests a set of rules or principles that work together as a whole
文法句型
method of + gerund
method for + gerund
method to + infinitive
method of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Countable in this sense — always use an article or quantifier ('a method', 'the method', 'several methods'). Common grammatical patterns: 'method of doing something', 'method for doing something', and 'method to do something' are all acceptable, though 'method of' and 'method for' are more frequent in formal writing.
常見錯誤
2. The quality of doing things in an organised, careful way, following a clear plan
The quality of doing things in an organised, careful way, following a clear plan rather than acting randomly.
There is a clear method to how Manuela organises her team's weekly schedule.
there is method to + wh-clause
Critics said there was little method in the government's approach to education reform.
little method in + noun phrase
Tunde's method in managing the busy store impressed the owner enough to earn a promotion.
If you plan your essay with proper method, the writing process becomes much faster.
The artist's method was clear in every brushstroke — nothing had been left to chance.
- orderliness
direct synonym, same register, emphasises neat arrangement
- organisation
broader term; can refer to the act of arranging or the resulting structure
- system
suggests an established structure or routine that creates order
- disorder
lack of organisation or planning
- randomness
doing things without a plan or pattern
- haphazardness
careless lack of order or method
文法句型
there is method in/to + noun phrase
with method
without method
用法筆記
Uncountable in this sense — do not use 'a method' when referring to the quality of being organised. Frequently appears in the fixed expression 'there is method in/to something' (or the idiom 'there is method in somebody's madness').
常見錯誤
3. A style of acting in which the performer draws on their own memories, emotions,
A style of acting in which the performer draws on their own memories, emotions, and experiences to feel and behave like the character they are playing, rather than simply performing lines and actions from the outside.
Aoi spent three months in a forest preparing for her role, using the Method to become the character.
the Method (capitalised) as acting technique
Many famous actors, including Gabriel, trained in Method acting at the same drama school in New York.
The director preferred Method actors because their performances felt more emotionally honest on screen.
Critics praised Jack's Method performance as the most convincing portrayal of the poet ever filmed.
Learning the Method requires actors to examine their own past experiences and connect them to the character's story.
- the Stanislavski system
the original acting system developed by Konstantin Stanislavski on which Method acting is based
- the Method
shorter form, capitalised, referring to the same specific acting approach
- classical acting
an acting style that emphasises external technique, voice, and movement rather than emotional recall
文法句型
the Method
Method acting
Method actor
用法筆記
Often capitalised as 'the Method' when referring to the specific Stanislavski-based acting technique. Use 'a Method actor' (with capital M) for someone who practices this style. Not to be confused with general 'acting method' (any acting technique) — the capitalised form distinguishes the specific school.