an overview of how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overview of how" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to provide an introduction to a description of some process. For example: "In this article, I will provide an overview of how facial recognition technology works."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On one level it gives you an overview of how we've gotten where we are with Iran.

The New York Times

He will present an overview of how Westport's early history as an agricultural and later a maritime center influenced home styles.

The New York Times

Clinton frequently says that he has "a theory of the case" — an overview of how the Republican Party, starting in the nineteen-seventies, moved increasingly to the right.

The New Yorker

In total, the responses represent an overview of how individuals and media organisations view the BBC and what matters to them.

The Guardian

Here's an overview of how OpenDNS works.

TechCrunch

Here's an overview of how it's done, and a recent example.

Forbes

Editors from Science magazine will provide an overview of how to get published in Science.

Science Magazine

Then an overview of how a large-scale ABM is built, using this composition, is given.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

This presents an overview of how the forms align with each of the frameworks.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Next, we briefly give an overview of how we implemented HyperQuickSort using ULFM.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Moreover, we provide an overview of how this phenomenon has evolved and developed over time.

Financial Innovation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an overview of how" to introduce a simplified explanation of a complex process, making it accessible to a broader audience. This approach is particularly useful in reports or presentations targeting non-experts.

Common error

Avoid using "an overview of how" when your intent is to provide a detailed, step-by-step analysis. An overview should highlight key points, not delve into intricate details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overview of how" functions as an introductory phrase, signaling that the subsequent text will provide a summary or general explanation of a process, mechanism, or system. Ludwig confirms that this is a standard and acceptable usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overview of how" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to introduce summaries or explanations of processes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and widely accepted. The phrase is especially prevalent in scientific and news-related content. When using it, ensure that the subsequent text aligns with the promise of a high-level explanation, avoiding overly detailed analyses. Alternatives include phrases like "a summary of how" or "an explanation of how", offering subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a summary of how

Replaces "overview" with "summary", implying a more concise and less detailed explanation.

an explanation of how

Focuses on providing reasons and justifications for the way something works.

a description of how

Offers a detailed account of the way something functions or operates.

an introduction to how

Suggests a basic explanation suitable for someone unfamiliar with the subject.

a glimpse into how

Suggests a brief and partial look at the process, rather than a comprehensive explanation.

a guide to how

Implies a set of instructions or directions for understanding a process.

a look at how

Provides an examination or inspection of a process or method.

a breakdown of how

Emphasizes the process of dividing something into smaller parts for easier understanding.

a survey of how

Implies a broad review covering various aspects of the process.

a review of how

Suggests a critical assessment and analysis of the process.

FAQs

How can I use "an overview of how" in a sentence?

You can use "an overview of how" to introduce a summary or explanation of a process. For example, "This section provides "an overview of how" the algorithm works."

What are some alternatives to "an overview of how"?

Alternatives include "a summary of how", "an explanation of how", or "a guide to how", depending on the level of detail and purpose.

Is it appropriate to use "an overview of how" in formal writing?

Yes, "an overview of how" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly introduces a summary of a process or system. However, ensure the content that follows maintains a professional tone.

What's the difference between "an overview of how" and "an analysis of how"?

"An overview of how" provides a general summary, while "an analysis of how" delves deeper into the details, examining the components and their interactions.