a slice of history

USAGE SUMMARY

"a slice of history" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a moment or period in history, or a representation of it, such as a book or movie. For example, "This document gives us a fascinating slice of history from the late 1800s."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

So let's hope a slice of history.

The Guardian - Sport

A slice of history that goes way back.

The New York Times

But, for one thing, this is a slice of history.

The New Yorker

a slice of history told in the lively manner of a novel...

The New York Times - Books

In its examination of a slice of history, it describes the whole.

The New York Times

For its detailed layering, the show feels like an artifact, a slice of history hermetically sealed.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Together they amassed tens of thousands of photographs, letters, index cards and more that chronicle a slice of art history.

The New York Times - Arts

The flag bearers themselves were a slice of Olympic history.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a slice of social history as well as a kind of impressionistic visual autobiography.

The Guardian - Arts

Those who did buy into the stock were paying for a slice of American history.

The Guardian - Business

The decision had long been feared by preservationists eager to save a slice of Los Angeles history.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slice of history" when you want to emphasize that something represents a small but significant part of a larger historical narrative. It's particularly effective in capturing the essence of an era or event in a concise way.

Common error

Avoid using "a slice of history" to describe extremely broad or long-lasting historical periods. The phrase implies a specific, manageable portion, not an entire epoch.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slice of history" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct. Examples show its use in describing something representative of a past era.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Books

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Sports

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a slice of history" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that serves to describe something representative or insightful of a specific historical period or event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase appears most frequently in news and media, but also finds use in books and other general contexts. When using "a slice of history", ensure that the subject matter is indeed a representative portion of a larger historical context, avoiding overly broad or general descriptions. Alternatives such as "a piece of the past" or "a glimpse into yesterday" can offer varied nuance in specific situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a piece of the past

This alternative uses "piece" instead of "slice", suggesting a fragment or component of history.

an aspect of bygone times

This phrase uses more formal language, focusing on a particular aspect of a past era.

a glimpse into yesterday

This offers a more evocative and figurative alternative, suggesting a brief look at the past.

a window to the past

This phrase evokes a sense of looking into or observing a past time.

a fragment of time

This alternative suggests a small, broken-off piece of a past time.

historical snapshot

This phrase uses "snapshot" as a metaphor, suggesting a captured moment in history.

a page from history

This refers to a specific event recorded in history.

an era in miniature

This phrase uses "miniature" to convey a small representation of an era.

yesterday's echo

This more poetic phrase uses "echo" to suggest something reminiscent of the past.

reminiscence of former days

This phrase uses a formal language.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a slice of history" in a sentence?

Use "a slice of history" to describe a specific event, artifact, or narrative that provides insight into a particular time. For example, "This photograph offers "a slice of history" from the early 20th century".

What are some alternatives to saying "a slice of history"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a piece of the past", "a glimpse into yesterday", or "a window to the past", each offering a slightly different nuance depending on the desired effect.

Is it appropriate to use "a slice of history" in formal writing?

Yes, "a slice of history" can be used in formal writing, particularly when discussing specific events or aspects of history. However, consider the tone and context to ensure it fits appropriately. More formal alternatives might be preferable in certain academic or official contexts.

How does "a slice of history" differ from "a moment in history"?

"A moment in history" refers to a specific point in time, while "a slice of history" implies a broader, more representative selection of events or artifacts from a particular period. "A slice of history" suggests something that encapsulates the essence of a larger historical context.