an opera based on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an opera based on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an opera that is inspired by or derived from another work, such as a book, play, or historical event. Example: "The new production is an opera based on Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Once again he has chosen an opera based on one of America's modern literary classics.

The Economist

The Metropolitan Opera has commissioned an opera based on "An American Tragedy" that is scheduled for the 2005-06 season.

The New York Times

(Anthony Tommasini) ★ 'Sumeida's Song' (Wednesday and Thursday) The Prototype: Opera/Theater/Now festival opens with the premiere of Mohammed Fairouz's one-hour "Sumeida's Song," an opera based on the Tawfiq El-Hakim play "Song of Death".

The New York Times - Arts

She makes few overt references to social issues or pop culture, such as one finds in the work of Neuwirth, who has written an opera based on David Lynch's "Lost Highway".

The New Yorker

Zweig suggested an opera based on Ben Jonson's comedy "Epicoene".

The New York Times - Arts

And recently he started work on an opera based on Gertrude Stein's story called "Melanctha".

The New Yorker

He is composing an opera based on the "Epic of Gilgamesh".

The New York Times - Arts

Maybe Stewart Lee could create an opera based on this, like John Adams's Nixon in China.

The Guardian - Film

I would commission an opera based on the life of the Austrian Empress Sisi.

The Guardian - Music

Like "Kafka's Trial," it is an opera based on a familiar literary source, in this case the comedy by Aristophanes.

The New Yorker

Mr. Hoiby also composed an opera based on "Romeo and Juliet," which has not yet been performed.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase to clearly indicate that the opera's narrative, characters, or themes are derived from pre-existing material, such as a novel, play, or historical event. This helps the audience understand the opera's context and origins.

Common error

Avoid implying that the opera is an entirely original creation. Always acknowledge the source material to give credit where it's due and avoid misrepresenting the opera's origins.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an opera based on" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the noun "opera". It specifies the origin or source material upon which the opera's narrative and themes are constructed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an opera based on" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an opera adapted from a pre-existing work. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread in news articles, encyclopedias, and general writing. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity about the source material and the extent of its influence on the opera. Alternatives include "an operatic adaptation of" or "an opera inspired by", each with subtle differences in meaning. Be mindful of avoiding confusion by always acknowledging the source material. Overall, this phrase is a reliable and informative way to convey the origin and context of an opera.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an opera inspired by

Focuses on the inspirational source of the opera.

an opera created from

Highlights the creation process of the opera from its source.

an operatic adaptation of

Emphasizes the adaptation of a source material into an operatic format.

an operatic interpretation of

Stresses the subjective interpretation of the source material.

a musical drama adapted from

Highlights the dramatic and musical nature of the adaptation.

an opera reimagining

Suggests a creative and innovative take on the original work.

a theatrical work based upon

Broadens the scope to a more general theatrical production.

a staged production originating from

Emphasizes the origin of the production from a specific source.

a composition drawing inspiration from

Highlights the creative process of deriving inspiration for the composition.

a score influenced by

Focuses specifically on the musical score and its influences.

FAQs

How can I use "an opera based on" in a sentence?

You can use "an opera based on" to describe an opera that has been adapted from another work, such as a novel, play, or historical event. For example, "The new production is "an opera based on" Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'.

What are some alternatives to "an opera based on"?

Some alternatives include "an opera inspired by", "an operatic adaptation of", or "a musical drama adapted from", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an opera that is based on" instead of "an opera based on"?

Yes, both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. "An opera based on" is simply a more concise and common way of expressing the same idea.

What is the difference between "an opera based on" and "an opera inspired by"?

"An opera based on" implies a direct adaptation of the source material, while "an opera inspired by" suggests that the source material served as a creative influence, but the opera may not be a direct adaptation.