act as an introduction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act as an introduction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that serves the purpose of introducing a topic, person, or concept. Example: "The first chapter of the book acts as an introduction to the main themes and characters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It was first intended to act as an introduction to another of his religious essays, An Investigation of Dogmatic Theology, and originally carried the title An Introduction to an Unpublished Work.

The New Yorker

Health lobbyists fret that e-cigarettes will act as an introduction to the real thing, especially for youngsters (the nicotine-laced liquids they rely on are often flavoured).

The Economist

Ian Shiels, a spokesman for game maker CCP, which is developing Eve Valkyrie as a launch title for the Oculus Rift, says the first versions of games for the headset will act as an introduction to immersive gaming.

BBC

Instead, Absolut's ambassador and mixologist Rico Dynan will create a series of experimental drinks which will act as an introduction to each experience.

Vice

The film Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa in the UK, but simply titled Alan Partridge in the States serves not only to act as an introduction to a unique character but also to remind audiences that Steve Coogan is one of the most thoughtful comic minds we have.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

We've compiled a list of 10 tracks, intended to act as a introduction to the band.

The Guardian - Music

This acts as an introduction to what's available, from wraparound Google Earth to zipping over the Arctic.

The Guardian - Tech

But usually when your CV is read you will be absent, so having a short profile at the start acts as an introduction.

The Guardian

The "mawwal" is usually a vocal piece that acts as an introduction to the music the listener is about to hear, and is often delivered by a singer of great skill in range and improvisatory technique.

The Guardian - Music

The first chapter acts as an introduction, setting out the different ways of dealing with religion.

SEP

For one the film's main setpieces, the murder of the lesbian couple, Argento and Tovoli employed the use of a Louma crane to film a several minutes-long tracking shot that acted as an introduction to the sequence.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "act as an introduction", ensure that the subsequent content directly builds upon the foundation laid by the introduction. Clarity and relevance are key.

Common error

Avoid making the "act as an introduction" portion too comprehensive. It should provide necessary context without delving into excessive detail, ensuring the main content remains engaging and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act as an introduction" functions primarily as a predicate, describing the role or purpose of a subject. It indicates that something serves to familiarize or acquaint someone with a topic, concept, or person. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "act as an introduction" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something that serves to familiarize or acquaint someone with a topic, concept, or person. Ludwig AI highlights its versatility across various contexts, though most frequently in news, science and wiki environments. When using the phrase, it's crucial to ensure clarity and relevance, avoiding excessive detail. Alternatives such as "serve as a prelude" or "function as a primer" can offer a slightly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve as a prelude

Replaces "act" with "serve" and "introduction" with "prelude", suggesting a preliminary event or action.

function as a primer

Replaces "act" with "function" and "introduction" with "primer", indicating a basic educational resource.

work as an opener

Substitutes "act" with "work" and "introduction" with "opener", often used in the context of speeches or presentations.

form a starting point

Emphasizes the role as a beginning or foundation, differing slightly in focus from a general introduction.

provide an initial glimpse

Highlights the aspect of offering a brief preview or insight.

offer a preliminary view

Similar to "provide an initial glimpse", but emphasizes the offering of a perspective or viewpoint.

constitute a lead-in

Uses more formal language to describe the phrase's role as a preparatory segment.

kick off proceedings

Indicates initiating a series of events or discussions.

set the stage

Figuratively prepares the setting or context for what follows.

pave the way

Implies preparing a path or making something easier for what comes next.

FAQs

How can I use "act as an introduction" in a sentence?

You can use "act as an introduction" to describe something that prepares the audience for what follows. For example, "The opening scene "acts as an introduction" to the main characters and their motivations".

What are some alternatives to "act as an introduction"?

Alternatives include "serve as a prelude", "function as a primer", or "provide an initial glimpse", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "act as an introduction to" or "introduce"?

"Act as an introduction to" describes the function of something, while "introduce" is an action verb. Use "act as an introduction to" when you want to emphasize the role or purpose of something, and "introduce" when you want to describe the act of presenting something new.

Can "act as an introduction" be used for both tangible and intangible things?

Yes, "act as an introduction" can be used for both. For example, a physical brochure can "act as an introduction" to a company, while a theoretical concept can "act as an introduction" to a larger philosophical discussion.