an exposition of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an exposition of" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It typically refers to a detailed and comprehensive explanation or interpretation of a particular topic or idea. Example: The first chapter of the novel was an exposition of the main character's background and motivations, setting the stage for the rest of the story.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ballet is anything but an exposition of classical technique.

The New York Times

There is also an exposition of American Indian art.

The New York Times - Travel

Responding to this call, this paper offers an exposition of a causal mapping technique.

International Journal of Project Management

This paper is an exposition of different methods for computing closed forms of definite sums.

Journal of Symbolic Computation

This is an exposition of various topics, indicated by the title, and related concepts.

Handbook of Algebra

It offers (according to the Joyce Web site) an exposition of "femininity, identity and nakedness".

The New York Times - Arts

Most of his prose work was an exposition of political and strategic ideas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For an exposition of social restrictions and their enforcement, see censorship; crime and punishment; police.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I await an exposition of the liberationist case and examples of LEA oppression.

The Guardian

This is followed by an exposition of transportation consumer surplus and its limitations.

International Journal of Transport Management

This article provides an exposition of a model that links health-care demand to health production.

International Encyclopedia of Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an exposition of" when you aim to provide a thorough and detailed explanation or analysis of a subject. It's particularly effective in academic, scientific, or formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "an exposition of" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "explanation of" or "account of" are more appropriate for everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exposition of" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It introduces a detailed explanation or analysis, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

27%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an exposition of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as verified by Ludwig. It serves to introduce a detailed and thorough explanation or analysis, particularly in formal, scientific, and academic contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where a comprehensive presentation is required, and simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for informal settings. Ludwig's examples confirm its prevalence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and scientific journals, underscoring its reliability in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a detailed explanation of

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the explanation, focusing on the level of detail provided.

a comprehensive account of

Highlights the completeness and all-encompassing nature of the description.

an in-depth analysis of

Focuses on a critical and thorough examination of a topic.

a thorough examination of

Stresses the meticulous and exhaustive nature of the investigation.

a presentation of

Highlights the act of showing or displaying information in a structured manner.

an interpretation of

Emphasizes the subjective understanding and explanation of a subject.

a clarification of

Focuses on making something easier to understand by providing more detail.

a systematic review of

Implies a structured and methodical overview of a topic.

an elaboration on

Suggests expanding on existing information with greater detail.

a discourse on

Indicates a formal and lengthy discussion or treatment of a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "an exposition of" in a sentence?

Use "an exposition of" when you want to introduce a detailed explanation or analysis. For example, "The book provides an exposition of the key economic theories."

What are some alternatives to "an exposition of"?

You can use alternatives such as "a detailed explanation of", "a comprehensive account of", or "an in-depth analysis of" depending on the specific context.

Is "an exposition of" suitable for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "an exposition of" is more suited for formal and academic contexts. In informal settings, consider using simpler phrases like "an explanation of" or "a description of."

What's the difference between "an exposition of" and "an explanation of"?

"An exposition of" implies a more thorough and detailed analysis, often used in academic or scientific contexts. "An explanation of" is a more general term suitable for a wider range of situations.