an overture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an introductory gesture, proposal, or musical composition that sets the stage for something that follows. Example: "The director's speech served as an overture to the main event, capturing the audience's attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

An "origin story", it feels more like an overture than a full opera.

Independent

It was an overture.

The New Yorker

When an overture is over, you play it over again.

The New Yorker

The initial sequence was like an overture, foretelling the rest.

The New York Times - Arts

Westlake had first made an overture in September.

The New York Times

Mr. Pérez Molina also made an overture to Dr. Espada.

The New York Times

Mozart didn't write an overture for the work either.

The New York Times - Arts

All things considered, an overture probably wouldn't have helped.

The Guardian - Music

But the racing association has not made an overture.

The New York Times

For Liverpool it felt like an overture of all that was best about the glory days.

Independent

Indian Hotels had made an overture to Orient-Express in 2007 that was rebuffed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, use "an overture" to build anticipation and hint at the events or emotions to come.

Common error

Don't use "an overture" to describe a completed action or event. It should represent an introduction or a preliminary stage, not the entirety of something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overture" functions primarily as a noun, denoting an introductory approach, proposal, or a musical composition that precedes a larger work. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overture" is a versatile phrase that is correctly used in English to signify an introductory gesture, proposal, or musical piece. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When writing, remember that "an overture" is a starting point, not the entire action, and consider using synonyms like "prelude" or "introduction" for variation. The phrase maintains a neutral to professional tone, making it suitable for a wide range of formal and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an introduction

A general term for the beginning part of something.

a prelude

Similar to "an overture", but can also refer to something that precedes an event or action.

an introductory gesture

Highlights the initial action or signal meant to open communication or begin a process.

a preliminary

Highlights that something is preparatory or introductory.

a preliminary proposal

Focuses on the aspect of a suggestion or plan made to initiate discussion or action.

an initial move

Emphasizes the act of beginning an action or process.

an opening gambit

Emphasizes the strategic and calculated nature of the initial move.

a tentative approach

Stresses the cautious and exploratory nature of the initial action.

a feeler

Implies a subtle and indirect attempt to gauge interest or sentiment.

a foreword

Specifically refers to an introduction to a written work.

FAQs

How can I use "an overture" in a sentence?

"An overture" can be used to describe an initial proposal or gesture, such as "The company made "an overture" to its competitor for a merger". It can also refer to the introductory section of a musical work.

What can I say instead of "an overture"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a prelude", "an introduction", or "a preliminary proposal".

Is it correct to say 'an overture for peace'?

Yes, "an overture for peace" is a correct and common usage. It refers to an initial proposal or gesture aimed at starting peace negotiations.

What's the difference between "an overture" and "a proposal"?

"An overture" is often the first step, a tentative approach or suggestion. A "proposal" is usually more detailed and formal than "an overture".