a synopsis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a synopsis" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a brief summary or overview of a text, film, or other work. Example: "Before we dive into the details, let me provide you with a synopsis of the main themes in the book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A synopsis?

The Guardian - Film

The following is a synopsis.

The New York Times

"It's not a synopsis".

The New York Times - Books

"We never have a synopsis.

The Guardian - Film

"I began writing a synopsis.

The Guardian - Film

The police gave us a synopsis.

The Guardian

Here's a synopsis, not that it will really help.

The Guardian

Editor: You have four days to submit a synopsis.

The Guardian

Geoffrey asked for a synopsis for a book.

The Guardian - Books

(Here's a synopsis of the case, in French).

The New Yorker

During the call, Mr. Lay gave a synopsis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a "synopsis", focus on the core elements of the story or topic to ensure clarity and conciseness.

Common error

Avoid including excessive details in a "synopsis". It should provide a general overview, not a comprehensive retelling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a synopsis" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a brief summary or overview of something, often a story, plot, or argument. Ludwig AI confirms that it is commonly used in various contexts to introduce a condensed explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a synopsis" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that serves to introduce a brief summary or overview of something. As Ludwig AI explains, it is common across various contexts, particularly in news, media, science and wiki-based content. The phrase is suitable for neutral and formal registers. When using "a synopsis", remember to focus on the core elements to maintain clarity and avoid excessive detail. Alternatives include "a summary", "an overview", and "a brief".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a summary

This is a direct synonym, offering a more concise and general term for a brief overview.

a brief

This alternative is more concise and suitable when the summary is particularly short and to the point.

an outline

This implies a structured overview, highlighting the main points in an organized manner.

a rundown

This alternative is more informal, suggesting a quick and casual summary.

a digest

This suggests a condensed version, focusing on the most important information.

a précis

This alternative is more formal, indicating a concise summary that retains the essential points.

an abstract

This alternative is typically used in academic or scientific contexts to describe a brief summary of research.

a conspectus

This alternative is quite formal and suggests a comprehensive overview.

a wrap-up

This is suitable for concluding remarks or summaries, often at the end of a presentation or discussion.

a sketch

This implies a basic, preliminary overview, lacking in detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "a synopsis" to introduce a summary of a text, film, or event, as in "Here's a synopsis of the movie's plot" or "The report provides a synopsis of the key findings".

What can I say instead of "a synopsis"?

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

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

While both provide a condensed version of something, "a synopsis" often refers specifically to a summary of a story or plot, whereas "a summary" can be used more broadly for any kind of information.

Is it acceptable to use "a synopsis" in formal writing?

Yes, "a synopsis" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to introduce a condensed overview of a topic or narrative.