an abridged form

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an abridged form" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a shortened or condensed version of a text or document. Example: "The book is available in an abridged form, making it easier to read for those with limited time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It also contains many copies — hundreds to thousands — of an abridged form of DNA known as mitochondrial DNA, or mtDNA.

The New Yorker

"The Red Badge of Courage" first appeared at the end of 1894, in an abridged form that was syndicated to newspapers across the country.

The New Yorker

Jude the Obscure, novel by Thomas Hardy, published in 1894 95 in an abridged form in Harper's New Monthly as Hearts Insurgent; published in book form in 1895.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The standard biography of Camus in French is "Albert Camus: Une Vie" by Olivier Todd, translated, unfortunately in an abridged form, into English by Benjamin Ivry, and published by Knopf in 2001.

The New Yorker

Of the Russe Common Wealth was issued in an abridged form in Richard Hakluyt's The principal Navigations, Voiages, Traffiques and Discoveries (2nd ed., 1598); in Purchas His Pilgrimes (1625); and as History of Russia in 1643.

Encyclopedia Britannica

C. 101 - c. 200 Phrynichus Arabius, (flourished 2nd century ad, Bithynia, Asia Minor [now in Turkey]) grammarian and rhetorician who produced Sophistike paraskeue ("A Grounding in Sophistic"), of which a few fragments and a summary by Photius survive, and an Attikistes, extant in an abridged form, called the Ekloge ("Selected Atticisms").

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Now scientists have assembled a synthetic abridged form of heparin that, in animals, appears to work better than the real thing.

Science Magazine

A 12-point abridged form of the modified Mercalli scale is provided below.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"A Century of Cinema," an essay written for the Frankfurter Rundschau, and reprinted (in abridged form) in the Times, was an outraged lamentation for a hundred-year-old art form that was in "ignominious, irreversible decline".

The New Yorker

The resulting book, "War Has Not a Woman's Face," was published in abridged form in 1984, in the Moscow-based journal Oktyabr, after being rejected by journals in Belarus as "pacifist and naturalistic".

The New Yorker

The final account of police inquiries into the subject was written by a Scotland Yard detective, DCI John MacDonald, and is available in abridged form under his name on the Leveson inquiry website.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an abridged form", ensure the context makes it clear what the original, unabridged version is. This provides necessary context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "an abridged form" when the reduction is minimal. If only minor changes have been made, consider using terms like "edited version" or "slightly modified version" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an abridged form" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as an adjective modifying another noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies is a shortened or condensed version of something, as showcased by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an abridged form" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a shortened or condensed version of something. According to Ludwig, this phrase is uncommon but acceptable across a range of contexts, from news and media to encyclopedias and scientific publications. While alternatives like "shortened version" or "condensed form" exist, "an abridged form" is suitable for indicating a reduction in length or scope while maintaining the core content. When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the original source material. The linguistic analysis suggests a neutral to formal register, making it appropriate for various professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shortened version

Emphasizes the reduction in length, focusing on the act of making something shorter.

an abbreviated form

Focuses on the shortening by omitting parts.

a condensed form

Highlights the compression of information into a smaller space.

a concise edition

Stresses the brevity and clarity of the resulting version.

a digest version

Implies a summary that retains the core information.

a compact version

Emphasizes the small size of the resultant form.

a truncated version

Suggests a more abrupt or forceful shortening.

a streamlined version

Highlights efficiency and removal of unnecessary elements.

an outline form

Suggests a skeletal version, highlighting key points only.

a thumbnail version

Suggests a very small, representative version.

FAQs

How can I use "an abridged form" in a sentence?

You can use "an abridged form" to describe a shortened version of a book, document, or other work. For example, "The novel is available in "an abridged form" for younger readers".

What are some alternatives to saying "an abridged form"?

Alternatives include "a shortened version", "a condensed form", or "an abbreviated form", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to read the full version or "an abridged form" of a book?

It depends on your goals. The full version provides the complete story and details, while "an abridged form" offers a quicker read, focusing on the main plot points. Choose based on your available time and desired level of detail.

What is the difference between "an abridged form" and "an adapted version"?

"An abridged form" refers to a shortened version that retains the original content's core elements. "An adapted version" involves modifications to suit a different audience or medium, which may include changes beyond simple shortening.