a precis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precis" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a concise summary or abstract of a text or speech. Example: "In her report, she included a precis of the main findings to give readers a quick overview."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Give me a precis.

The Guardian

Create a precis and outline to begin.

The Guardian - Books

The 2006 ERA-EDTA Registry annual report: a precis.

Nature

A precis of Bravo's day occurred at the death.

The Guardian - Sport

(One quick place to read about these events is a precis of an American Experience webpage).

University of California, Berkeley

Summing up a precis or a chance to show flair, bias and artistic temperament?

The Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

I recognise myself through a mist, let's say, but then that's also true when a close friend gives you a shockingly ill-conceived present or when somebody introduces you in company with an etch-a-sketch precis of what it is you think you do.

The Guardian - Music

The ceramic plates are handmade, the distinctive chopsticks are from Ellia's personal collection presented to the diner in a canvas rollup, much like a painter's brushes and each course is accompanied with an explanatory card to take home, with a detailed precis, list of ingredients, and an elegant synesthesic illustration by Ellia's artist cousin.

Forbes

Each ailment is followed by a short precis, occasionally written as a parody of the book recommended.

The Guardian - Books

Each ailment is followed by a short precis, occasionally written as a parody of the book recommended.

The Guardian - Books

A neat precis of the proceedings, tidied up by a subeditor if necessary, appeared in the next edition.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a precis" when you need a concise and formal summary of a longer piece of writing or speech. It's particularly useful in academic or professional contexts where brevity is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "a precis" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler terms like "summary" or "overview" are more appropriate for less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precis" functions as a noun phrase, serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It refers to a concise summary or abstract of a text or speech. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science & Research

14%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a precis" is a noun phrase that functions as a formal and concise summary or abstract. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its primary use is to provide a brief overview of a longer text or speech, often in academic, professional, or news-related contexts. While the phrase is not suitable for informal conversations, alternatives like "a summary" or "an abstract" may be used in less formal settings. The phrase is commonly found in news and media, science and research, and academic publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a summary

Replaces "precis" with a more common and general term for a brief overview.

a synopsis

Similar to "precis", but often used for fictional works or plots.

an abstract

Commonly used in academic contexts to refer to a brief summary of research.

a brief

A shorter and more informal way to refer to a concise summary.

a digest

Suggests a collection of summaries or excerpts.

an outline

Focuses on the structure and main points of the original content.

a rundown

Informal term for a quick summary or overview.

a summation

Formal term for a concluding summary.

a recapitulation

Formal term for a concise restatement of main points.

a thumbnail sketch

Emphasizes brevity and conciseness in the summary.

FAQs

How do I use "a precis" in a sentence?

You can use "a precis" to describe a concise summary of a text or speech. For example, "The report included a precis of the main findings."

What can I say instead of "a precis"?

You can use alternatives like "a summary", "a synopsis", or "an abstract" depending on the context.

Is "precis" a formal word?

Yes, "precis" is generally considered a formal word. It is best suited for academic, professional, or technical contexts where conciseness and accuracy are important.

What is the difference between "a precis" and "a summary"?

While both "a precis" and "a summary" involve condensing information, a precis often implies a more structured and formal reduction of the original content, maintaining its key points and arguments.