an excellent introduction to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an excellent introduction to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that serves as a good starting point or overview for a particular subject or topic. Example: "This book provides an excellent introduction to the principles of economics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This release and the preceding one, Volume 21, make for an excellent introduction to the series.

The New Yorker

This big, glossy restaurant is an excellent introduction to Bolivian food.

The New York Times

But it is an excellent introduction to a rich field of flowers and thistles.

The Guardian - Books

That said, this 576-page history provides an excellent introduction to a vast and complicated topic.

The New York Times - Books

A dispassionate chronological narrative, it is an excellent introduction to a bitterly contested topic.

The Economist

The amateur investment group Bogleheads provides an excellent introduction to the process.

The New York Times

The painting provides an excellent introduction to Precisionism, a movement from the 1920's and 30's.

The New York Times

It is an excellent introduction to the legend as it shows that the ending does not have to be predictable.

The Guardian

For those who want to travel in depth, agriturismo strikes me as an excellent introduction to the island.

The New York Times - Travel

These works, part of his acrobat dogs series (1977), serve as an excellent introduction to the exhibition's theme.

The New York Times

This show is an excellent introduction to one of the most unusual creative minds of our time.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, be specific about what exactly the introduction is excellent for. Avoid vagueness; clearly state the subject or area the introduction effectively covers. For example, "This book is an excellent introduction to quantum physics for high school students."

Common error

Avoid using "an excellent introduction to" if the resource only scratches the surface or is overly complex for beginners. A more accurate description would enhance credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an excellent introduction to" serves as a descriptive expression, specifically functioning as a noun phrase complement. It highlights the quality and purpose of something that effectively initiates understanding or knowledge of a subject. As noted by Ludwig, it's considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an excellent introduction to" is a versatile and widely used phrase for recommending resources that provide a solid starting point for understanding a topic. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English. It is frequently found in news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, indicating its applicability across various domains. When using this phrase, ensure the recommended resource is genuinely accessible and comprehensive for newcomers. Consider alternatives like "a superb entry point into" or "a fantastic primer on" to add variety to your writing. By considering these factors, you can effectively use this phrase to guide others toward valuable learning resources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a superb entry point into

Replaces "introduction" with "entry point" and "excellent" with "superb", emphasizing the ease of access to the subject.

a fantastic primer on

Uses "primer" to indicate a basic introductory text, and "fantastic" instead of "excellent" for emphasis.

a great starting point for

Focuses on the idea of beginning to learn something, rather than a formal introduction.

a valuable overview of

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the introduction, using "overview" as a synonym.

an insightful guide to

Emphasizes the depth of understanding provided by the introduction.

a comprehensive initiation into

Uses "initiation" to suggest a more immersive introductory experience, and "comprehensive" to highlight the coverage.

a noteworthy gateway to

Suggests that it provides good access to something new, using "gateway" as a metaphor.

a solid foundation for

Highlights how something provides a good support for future understanding.

a rudimentary explanation of

Indicates a basic but clear introduction.

a basic walkthrough on

Offers a step-by-step approach to understanding a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "an excellent introduction to" in a sentence?

You can use "an excellent introduction to" to describe something that serves as a good starting point for learning about a particular subject. For example, "This documentary is "an excellent introduction to" the history of jazz music".

What are some alternatives to "an excellent introduction to"?

Alternatives to "an excellent introduction to" include "a superb entry point into", "a fantastic primer on", or "a great starting point for".

Is it better to say "an excellent introduction for" or "an excellent introduction to"?

The correct preposition is "to". "An excellent introduction to" is the idiomatic and grammatically correct phrase. Using "for" would be unconventional.

What makes something "an excellent introduction to" a topic?

A good introduction is usually clear, concise, and provides a broad overview of the subject matter. It should engage the audience and provide a solid foundation for further learning, like "an insightful guide to".