a cursory introduction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cursory introduction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief or superficial overview of a topic or subject. Example: "In this report, I will provide a cursory introduction to the main themes of the research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It must be understood that this paper has delivered a cursory introduction to global health ethics and is only intended to help researchers, policy makers, and decision makers understand the different accounts of global health ethics and become aware of the most prominent theories that currently form the paradigm's core ethical framework.

Global Health Action

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In this article I will focus on a cursory presentation of Kilwardby's main philosophical doctrines.

SEP

To establish the suitability of some of the articles, a cursory review of their introduction was also carried out.

International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility

The idea of an innovation path emerges from even a cursory look at the figure.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Even a cursory glance at the HPA's data shows that MMR has saved hundreds of lives since its introduction in 1988, and prevented millions of cases and their associated side effects.

The Guardian

A cursory nod encouraged.

The New York Times

"There is a cursory review.

The New York Times

They all eat a cursory dinner.

The New Yorker

He gave each pane a cursory rub.

The Guardian

"No more than a cursory" one.

The New York Times - Books

Instead, we get a cursory deliberation.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "a cursory introduction" when time or space is limited, and a detailed explanation is not feasible or necessary. This is useful for quickly orienting the reader to a topic before diving into specifics elsewhere.

Common error

Avoid implying depth or comprehensiveness when using "a cursory introduction". Misleading the reader about the level of detail can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cursory introduction" functions as a noun phrase, where "cursory" modifies the noun "introduction". It describes the type or nature of the introduction being provided, indicating its brevity and lack of depth. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33.33%

News & Media

33.33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a cursory introduction" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that describes a brief and superficial overview of a topic. Ludwig AI confirms this, and it's supported by examples in scientific and news media contexts. While the phrase is not very common, with only a few examples available, it is considered neutral in register and suitable for setting expectations about the level of detail provided. Related alternatives include "a brief overview" or "a quick primer". When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the scope of the introduction to avoid misleading the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A brief overview

Replaces "cursory introduction" with a more common and straightforward expression of brevity.

A superficial introduction

Emphasizes the lack of depth in the introduction, similar to "cursory".

A quick primer

Substitutes "introduction" with "primer", implying a basic and rapid explanation.

A short briefing

Replaces both "cursory" and "introduction" with terms suggesting a concise and informative overview.

A light overview

Highlights the simplicity and ease of understanding of the introduction.

A preliminary explanation

Focuses on the introductory nature and its place as a precursor to more detailed information.

A basic rundown

Uses informal language to convey a simple and uncomplicated introduction.

A thumbnail sketch

Implies a very brief and generalized description, similar to a quick drawing.

A fleeting glimpse

Emphasizes the brevity and transience of the introduction.

A general outline

Focuses on the structural aspect of the introduction, highlighting its broad and non-detailed nature.

FAQs

How can I use "a cursory introduction" in a sentence?

You might say, "This paper offers "a cursory introduction" to the topic before delving into the specifics".

What's a good alternative to "a cursory introduction"?

Consider using "a brief overview", "a quick primer", or "a superficial introduction" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a cursory introduction" formal or informal?

"A cursory introduction" is generally considered neutral to formal. While not overly technical, it's suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts. For more informal settings, you could use phrases like "a basic rundown".

What does "cursory" mean in the context of "a cursory introduction"?

In this context, "cursory" means hasty, superficial, or not detailed. It implies that the introduction provides only a brief and surface-level understanding of the subject matter.