a reading by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reading by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a performance or interpretation of a text, often in the context of literature, poetry, or script readings. Example: "The event featured a reading by the acclaimed author, who shared excerpts from her latest novel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A reading by Thomas Sayers Ellis.

The New York Times

A reading by Eric D. Weitz.

The New York Times

Signed Talk story about a reading by black poet Sapphire at Posman Booksellers.

The New Yorker

The program will include a reading by the playwright Thomas Babe, who lives in Darien.

The New York Times

I spotted a reading by one of my favourite authors: London again.

The Guardian - Books

This event will feature a reading by Bosnian author, Faruk Sehic, and literary translator, Mirza Puric.

University of California, Berkeley

"It says: 'Please join us for a reading by Shalom Auslander.

The New York Times - Books

A reading by the author will also be available on newyorker.com.

The New Yorker

The other day I attended a reading by the Hungarian novelist László Krasznahorkai.

The Guardian - Books

HSBC will host a reading by a Kazakh poet at its Canary Wharf headquarters.

The Guardian - Money

After a reading by Sarah Schulman, and one whiskey," he said.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advertising an event, specify the genre and style of the reading (e.g., "a poetry reading by", "a dramatic reading by") to attract the right audience.

Common error

Ensure you correctly identify the person giving the reading. Double-check spellings and affiliations to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reading by" functions primarily as a noun phrase, introducing an event or activity where someone presents a written text aloud. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reading by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote an event where someone presents written material aloud. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It's most commonly found in news and academic contexts and can be used in various scenarios, from announcing literary events to describing performances. When using the phrase, ensure that the performer is accurately identified and consider specifying the genre for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a presentation by

Focuses on the act of presenting information, which can include reading but is broader.

a lecture by

Implies a more formal and educational setting than a general reading.

a recital by

Suggests a performance, often of poetry or prose, but highlights the performative aspect.

an address by

Indicates a formal speech or statement, possibly including reading from a prepared text.

a talk by

A more informal version of lecture but maintains similar semantic context.

a discourse by

Implies a formal and extended discussion or presentation of a subject.

a narration by

Focuses on the act of telling a story, which may be read aloud.

an interpretation by

Highlights the unique perspective or understanding brought to the material being read.

a performance of

Broader term that encompasses any kind of artistic execution, including reading.

a spoken word piece by

Specific to poetry or prose intended for oral performance, emphasizing the artistic intent.

FAQs

How can I use "a reading by" in a sentence?

Use "a reading by" to introduce an event where someone is presenting or performing written work. For example, "The event will feature "a reading by" the author of the novel."

What are some alternatives to "a reading by"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "a presentation by", "a lecture by", or "a performance by".

Is it better to say "a reading by" or "a performance by"?

The best choice depends on the event. "A reading by" emphasizes the text, while "a performance by" focuses on the delivery and artistry. If the event includes dramatic interpretation, "a performance by" might be more suitable.

What is the typical format of "a reading by" an author?

Typically, "a reading by" an author involves the author reading excerpts from their work, followed by a Q&A session or book signing.