when something(a noun) could be used as subject of a verb.
when I am writing an essay, passive voice is required. However, I want to know, shall I use such expression as something use some method to achieve some goal or something rely on some method to achieve some goal. In what condition shall I use something as the subject of a verb, or what kind of verb such usage is allowed?

Question

when something(a noun) could be used as subject of a verb.
when I am writing an essay, passive voice is required. However,  I want to know, shall I use such expression as something use some method to achieve some goal or something rely on some method to achieve some goal. In what condition shall I use something as the subject of a verb, or what kind of verb such usage is allowed?

Answer

I cannot understand your question well :( but about expressing the method for achieving their goal, I have some sentence patterns to share with you~

1. (The person) (achieves the goal) by means of (doing sth.)
e.g. She tried to explain by means of sign languages. (from Cambridge learner's dictionary)
2. (The person) (achieves the goal) with + N. / by + V-ing
e.g. Open the file by clicking on the icon. (from Cambridge learner's dictionary)
e.g. East Asians are used to eating with chopsticks.