a snapshot of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a snapshot of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a brief overview of something or to refer to a brief moment in time. For example, "John painted a snapshot of the family farm in the early morning light."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Take a snapshot of the view.

The New York Times - Travel

Here is a snapshot of that population.

The New York Times

A snapshot of its life so far.

The New York Times

It was a snapshot of Britain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Take a snapshot of the dark.

The New York Times - Books

It is a snapshot of a moment.

The New York Times - Arts

Here's a snapshot of global markets.

The New York Times

It's a snapshot of what's available.

The New York Times - Food

Every statistic is merely a snapshot of a moving target.

The New York Times

Here's a snapshot of how immigration has changed our village.

The Guardian - Opinion

This felt like a snapshot of Tottenham's progress.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a snapshot of" when you want to provide a concise overview or a glimpse into a particular situation, moment, or subject. It's useful for setting expectations that the information is not exhaustive but representative.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "snapshot of" as a comprehensive analysis. Ensure your audience understands that you're offering a brief overview, not an exhaustive study.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a snapshot of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a concise representation or overview of a subject. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It's used to frame information as a brief, often visual, summary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a snapshot of" serves as a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a brief summary or overview. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts, with a prevalent use in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity that you're offering a brief glimpse rather than an exhaustive analysis. Alternatives include "a brief overview of" or "a glimpse into". This term effectively sets the stage for a concise presentation of information, helping the audience grasp the essential points quickly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a summary of

Highlights the summarized nature of the information, indicating key points are presented concisely.

a brief overview of

Uses "brief overview" to emphasize the succinct nature of the summary, suitable for formal contexts.

a glimpse into

Replaces "snapshot" with "glimpse", suggesting a brief and incomplete view, often implying something partially revealed.

a representation of

Employs more formal language, denoting something that stands for or portrays something else.

a quick look at

Employs more informal language, suggesting a fast and casual examination.

a picture of

Substitutes "snapshot" with "picture", emphasizing a visual representation or impression.

an outline of

Replaces "snapshot" with "outline", focusing on the structural framework or main points.

an illustration of

Uses "illustration" to suggest a clear example or demonstration of a concept.

a taste of

Replaces "snapshot" with "taste", implying a small sample or experience of something larger.

a cross-section of

Replaces "snapshot" with "cross-section", indicating a representative sample from a larger group or entity.

FAQs

How can I use "a snapshot of" in a sentence?

You can use "a snapshot of" to introduce a brief overview or summary. For example, "This report provides "a snapshot of" the company's financial performance this quarter."

What's a good alternative to "a snapshot of"?

Alternatives include "a brief overview of", "a glimpse into", or "a summary of", depending on the context.

Is "a snapshot of" formal or informal?

"A snapshot of" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "a summary of" might be preferred in certain professional settings.

What does "a snapshot of" imply?

"A snapshot of" implies a quick, often visual, representation of something. It suggests that the information provided is not exhaustive but gives a general impression or overview.