5. Procedures: Manner

5.1. Subordinate Conjunctions of Manner

The subordinate conjunctions of manner can be categorized based on whether they focus on the Means (“How?”) or Comparison (“How Like?”).

• Means specifies the method, tool, or process by which an action is carried out — it answers “By what means was this done?”

• Comparison describes how an action or result relates to a standard, expectation, or previous observation — it answers “In what way does this resemble or differ from what was expected?”

In scientific writing, means conjunctions are used to specify correct technique and procedure, while comparison conjunctions are used to evaluate results against a predicted outcome, a known value, or an established method.

5.2. Conjunctions of Means (The “How”)

These specify the method, instrument, or process used to perform a scientific step.

Conjunctions

• By (means of): the action/method that achieves the result (by pouring, by reading).

• Through: the underlying process or medium (through filtration, through the use of).

• With: the tool or material used (with a nail, with a ruler).

Examples

1. Chemistry: Separate the mixture of sand and salt by pouring it through a filter funnel.

2. Physics: Connect the light globe to the dry cell through the use of insulated copper wires.

3. Earth Science: Determine the hardness of the mineral sample with a steel nail or glass plate.

Fill in the Gaps — Conjunctions of Means

Choose the most appropriate conjunction to complete each sentence:

Word list (A → Z): by • through • with

1. Chemistry: Separate the solid from the liquid _________________ pouring the mixture slowly through a funnel lined with filter paper.

2. Physics: Scratch the surface of the mineral sample _________________ a steel nail to test its hardness.

3. Earth Science: Record the direction of the magnetic field _________________ the use of a compass and the field mapping technique.

Reveal Answer Key

Model Answer

1. by — followed directly by the action (pouring).

2. with — specifies the physical tool held and used to perform the action.

3. through — through the use of introduces a system of instruments and procedure working together.

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5.3. Conjunctions of Comparison (“How Like?”)

These describe how an action or result relates to a predicted outcome, a known value, or an established method.

Conjunctions

• As: describes the manner or method of an action, often referencing a known process or instruction (as directed, as shown).

• As if: describes the manner of an action in a hypothetical or illustrative way (as if the surface were frictionless).

• As though: formal equivalent of as if; suggests a more vivid or considered comparison (as though the sample had been exposed to heat).

• In such a way that: emphasises the manner of an action by highlighting its intended outcome or effect (in such a way that no air bubbles remain).

• In the manner that: formal equivalent of the way that; used in detailed written instructions (in the manner that the protocol specifies).

• Like: compares the manner of an action to a familiar example or standard (like a mirror image, like the diagram shows).

• The way (that): specifies the manner by referencing a particular method or approach (the way that the procedure outlines).

Examples

1. Chemistry: Heat the test tube as directed, holding it at an angle and moving it slowly above the Bunsen flame.

2. Physics: Aim the ray box as if the beam were a ball being thrown, directing it at the centre of the lens.

3. Biology: Tilt the coverslip onto the slide as though closing a door slowly, so that no air bubbles are trapped beneath it.

4. Earth Science: Pour the water onto the soil sample in such a way that it falls evenly across the entire surface rather than pooling in one spot.

5. Chemistry: Transfer the filtrate into the evaporating dish in the manner that the procedure diagram illustrates, keeping the glass rod in contact with the funnel at all times.

6. Physics: Position the mirror on the ray box bench like a wall facing the incoming beam, at exactly ninety degrees to the light source.

7. Biology: Prepare the wet mount the way that the demonstration showed, placing the specimen in a single drop of water before lowering the coverslip.

Fill in the Gaps — Conjunctions of Comparison

Choose the most appropriate conjunction to complete each sentence:

Word list (A → Z): as if • in such a way that • like

1. Physics: Angle the mirror _________________ a ramp, tilting it at exactly forty-five degrees to the incoming light beam.

2. Biology: Lower the coverslip onto the slide _________________ no air bubbles become trapped beneath it during mounting.

3. Chemistry: Swirl the conical flask _________________ the liquid inside were spinning in a whirlpool, keeping the base in contact with the bench at all times.

Reveal Answer Key

Model Answer

1. like — compares the mirror’s position to a familiar physical object (a ramp).

2. in such a way that — emphasises the manner of lowering by specifying its intended outcome (no air bubbles).

3. as if — describes the manner of swirling through a hypothetical illustration (a whirlpool).

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Multiple Choice: Conjunctions of Manner

Choose the most appropriate conjunction to complete each sentence.

Q1

1. Chemistry: Stir the copper sulfate crystals into the water _________________ they dissolve completely and the solution becomes uniform in colour.

   a. like

   b. as if

   c. in such a way that

   d. as though

Q2

2. Physics: Connect the ammeter to the circuit _________________ a short bridge between the two terminals, keeping both leads as close together as possible.

   a. through

   b. with

   c. by

   d. like

Q3

3. Biology: Separate the layers of the onion skin _________________ a pair of forceps, peeling back one thin sheet at a time.

   a. as

   b. in the manner that

   c. like

   d. with

Q4

4. Earth Science: Pour the sand and gravel mixture into the cylinder _________________ tipping a jug, keeping the stream of material narrow and controlled.

   a. by

   b. through

   c. as if

   d. with

Q5

5. Chemistry: Filter the muddy water _________________ the use of filter paper folded into a cone and placed inside the funnel.

   a. the way that

   b. in such a way that

   c. as though

   d. through

Reveal Answer Key

Q1

1. c. in such a way that — emphasises the manner

   of stirring by specifying its intended outcome (uniform colour).

Q2

2. d. like — compares the ammeter’s position to a familiar object (a short bridge).

Q3

3. d. with — specifies the tool held and used to perform the action (forceps).

Q4

4. c. as if — describes the manner of pouring through a hypothetical illustration (tipping a jug).

Q5

5. d. through — introduces the underlying process or medium (through the use of) by which filtration is achieved.