a cursory presentation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cursory presentation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a presentation that is brief and lacks depth or thoroughness. Example: "The speaker gave a cursory presentation on the topic, touching only on the main points without going into detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

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

SEP

At the outset, we give a cursory presentation of central positions of this new version of an up-to-date understanding of the future and summarise the requirements that can thereby be deduced for dealing with the future (I).

European Journal of Futures Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Cursory presentation of the complexity of decisions made around antidepressant use during pregnancy has the real potential to place patients in harm's way.

The New Yorker

If it was an occasion swathed in sentiment, Ferguson nevertheless showed his ruthless touch by excluding Wayne Rooney from the party, offering him a cursory handshake and pat at the Premier League trophy presentation then confirming that the background to this was a transfer demand from England's striker that had been instantly dismissed.

BBC

A cursory nod encouraged.

The New York Times

They all eat a cursory dinner.

The New Yorker

"There is a cursory review.

The New York Times

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

The message itself is a cursory invitation to a banquet.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a cursory presentation", ensure your audience understands that you're intentionally providing only a brief overview, and be prepared to offer more detailed information if requested.

Common error

Don't assume everyone knows what "cursory" means. If your audience might not be familiar with the term, consider using simpler language like "brief" or "quick" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cursory presentation" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "cursory" modifies the noun "presentation". It is used to describe the nature or quality of the presentation being referenced. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates that something is brief and lacks depth.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cursory presentation" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a presentation that is brief and lacks depth. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While the phrase itself is fairly straightforward, it's important to be aware of its implications and use it appropriately, ensuring your audience understands the intended level of detail. Though relatively rare, as evidenced by the limited number of real-world examples, it appears in both scientific and news contexts. Consider alternatives such as "a brief overview" or "a superficial presentation" if clarity or tone requires a slightly different approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief overview

Focuses on the conciseness of the presentation, emphasizing its brevity.

a superficial presentation

Highlights the lack of depth in the presentation, suggesting it only scratches the surface.

a quick summary

Emphasizes the speed and conciseness of the summary.

a rapid rundown

Stresses the pace at which the information is presented.

a concise briefing

Highlights the brevity and clarity of the information provided.

a light introduction

Suggests a gentle and undemanding approach to the subject matter.

a basic outline

Indicates that only the essential elements are covered.

a thumbnail sketch

Implies a very brief and simplified representation.

a fleeting glimpse

Highlights the momentary and insubstantial nature of the presentation.

a once-over

Suggests a casual and quick examination.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cursory presentation" to describe a brief or superficial overview of a topic. For instance, "The professor gave "a cursory presentation" of the theory, focusing only on the basic principles."

What's the difference between "a cursory presentation" and "a detailed presentation"?

"A cursory presentation" implies a brief and superficial overview, whereas "a detailed presentation" involves an in-depth and thorough explanation of the topic.

What can I say instead of "a cursory presentation"?

Alternatives to "a cursory presentation" include "a brief overview", "a quick summary", or "a superficial presentation", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe my own presentation as "a cursory presentation"?

It depends on the context. If you are setting expectations for a very brief overview, it can be appropriate. However, be mindful that it might suggest a lack of thoroughness, so consider alternatives like "a brief introduction" or "a concise summary" if you want to emphasize efficiency rather than superficiality.