an introduction to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an introduction to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are introducing a new idea or topic. For example, "This chapter provides an introduction to the history of the French Revolution."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They made an introduction to Occupy Together".

The New York Times

– an introduction to feminism.

The Guardian - Books

Providing an introduction to material.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Read an introduction to phylogeny!

University of California, Berkeley

Hank gets an introduction to Heisenberg.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They give people an introduction to opera.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's also an introduction to symbols".

The New York Times - Travel

Here's an introduction to these four hats.

Science Magazine

The track is an introduction to "Liberation".

Wikipedia

Email an introduction to your teacher.

WikiHow

Start writing an introduction to a book.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an introduction to", ensure it clearly signals the start of a new topic or concept, setting the stage for more detailed exploration later. Keep the introduction concise and focused on the key elements.

Common error

Avoid including excessive detail or advanced concepts in "an introduction to". The purpose is to provide a basic understanding, not a comprehensive analysis. Save the in-depth discussion for later sections.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an introduction to" functions as a noun phrase acting as a preparatory element, signaling the commencement of a discussion or study on a particular topic. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's designed to provide a basic understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

31%

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an introduction to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves as a foundational element in various contexts, including academia, news, and science, to signal the start of a new topic or concept. When using this phrase, ensure it sets a clear and concise stage for further exploration, avoiding excessive detail. While alternatives exist, such as "a preliminary overview of" or "a primer on", the key is to maintain clarity and relevance to the subject at hand. The high frequency and authoritative sources using this phrase underscore its reliability in formal and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A preliminary overview of

Focuses on providing a basic understanding before delving into details.

A basic guide to

Implies a simplified explanation, suitable for beginners.

A primer on

Indicates a concise and fundamental introduction.

An initial exploration of

Suggests a first look at a topic, often implying further study is needed.

An orientation to

Provides foundational knowledge for navigating a new environment or system.

A beginner's course on

Specifically designed for those with no prior knowledge.

An opening discussion of

Highlights the start of a conversation or analysis on a topic.

An elementary treatment of

Offers a simplified explanation of a subject, suitable for those new to it.

A short presentation on

Implies a brief overview, often delivered in a lecture or meeting setting.

A preview of

Suggests a brief glimpse into what is to come in more detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "an introduction to" to preface a new topic or concept. For example, "This course provides "an introduction to" quantum physics".

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a preliminary overview of", "a basic guide to", or "a primer on".

Is it better to say "an introduction of" or "an introduction to"?

"An introduction to" is the correct and more common usage. "An introduction of" is generally used when you are introducing a person.

What makes "an introduction to" different from a summary?

"An introduction to" sets the stage for exploring a new subject, whereas a summary provides a condensed overview of something already discussed.