an abstract

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "an abstract" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to a summary of a larger written work such as a thesis, research paper, or article. For example, "I spent hours writing an abstract for my research paper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Read an abstract here).

The New York Times

But to an abstract concept?

The New York Times

This isn't an abstract concern.

The New Yorker

This isn't an abstract speculation.

The New York Times

So this isn't an abstract debate.

The New York Times

This is not an abstract risk.

The Economist

Again, this not an abstract political fight.

The New York Times

It is no longer an abstract concept.

The New York Times - Sports

Video images added an abstract scenic backdrop.

The New York Times - Arts

Declares himself an abstract noun called 'legitimacy'legitimacy

The New York Times

Makoto is not an abstract ideology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an abstract" in academic or professional writing, ensure it accurately reflects the content of the full document. Check that it covers the main points, methodology, and conclusions concisely.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical or jargon-heavy language in "an abstract", especially if it's intended for a general audience. Use clear and accessible language to ensure broad understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an abstract" functions primarily as a noun phrase that references a concise summary of a larger work, often used in academic or scientific contexts. Ludwig confirms this usage, showcasing examples where it denotes a brief overview of research or a written piece.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an abstract" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to a concise summary, particularly in academic and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous real-world examples demonstrating its function and purpose across diverse fields such as news media, academia, and science. While grammatically straightforward, ensuring clarity and avoiding overly technical language are key considerations when writing "an abstract". Alternatives like "a summary" or "a synopsis" may be suitable depending on the specific context. Its frequency and presence in authoritative sources underscore its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a summary

Replaces "abstract" with a more general term for a concise overview.

a synopsis

Similar to summary, but often implies a more detailed overview, particularly for literary works.

an outline

Focuses on the structural aspect of the overview, highlighting the main points.

a brief

Emphasizes the conciseness and succinctness of the overview.

an epitome

Highlights the most essential qualities or characteristics.

a digest

Implies a condensed version of a larger work, often with key points extracted.

a precis

Indicates a very concise and accurate summary, retaining the original's core ideas.

a rundown

Provides an informal and quick summary of information.

a conspectus

Offers a comprehensive survey or overview of a subject.

a bird's-eye view

Presents a high-level, general overview of a topic.

FAQs

How do I use "an abstract" in a research paper?

In a research paper, "an abstract" serves as a brief summary of your study, typically placed at the beginning of the paper. It should highlight the purpose, methods, key findings, and conclusions of your research.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "an abstract"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as a "summary", a "synopsis", or a "brief".

Which is correct, "an abstract" or "a abstract"?

"An abstract" is correct. The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "an abstract" and a summary?

While both provide a concise overview, "an abstract" is typically used in academic or scientific contexts to summarize research, while a summary is a more general term for a condensed version of something.