as a commentary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a commentary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to provide an explanation, interpretation, or opinion about a particular subject or text. Example: "The author included several examples as a commentary on the societal issues presented in the novel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This operated as a commentary on the Clowes plagiarism scandal.

The Guardian - Film

Bringing up the oath point is really meant as a commentary on Snowden's character.

The New Yorker

The White House would really rather not see the vote as a commentary on Obama.

The New York Times

A thoughtful guidebook for writers that could also serve as a commentary on Lopate's own essays.

The New York Times - Books

Maybe we should see the whole ceremony as a commentary on the cruel randomness of fate.

The New York Times

The editor involved said the post was intended as a commentary on celebrity sex tapes.

The Guardian

My drama London Spy was never intended as a commentary about these organisations today.

The Guardian

Yet the choice makes utter sense as a commentary on current events.

The New York Times

Language Arts- George Orwell wrote "1984" as a commentary on human nature's desire for power.

The New York Times

He said that he meant the show as a commentary on England's pillaging of Scotland, where he claimed ancestry.

The New York Times - Arts

More than a film, "The Social Network" has been widely praised as a commentary on the plugged-in life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a commentary" to introduce an interpretation or explanation that adds depth and insight to a subject. Ensure the commentary directly relates to the topic at hand and offers a clear perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "as a commentary" when a more direct analytical statement would be more impactful. Replace it with stronger verbs or descriptive phrases to convey the message more concisely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a commentary" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that introduces an explanation, interpretation, or critical analysis of a subject. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase often serves to connect a statement or work with a broader theme or concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Arts

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a commentary" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce an explanation or interpretation of a subject. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in diverse contexts, including news, arts, and encyclopedias. Its primary function is to provide additional insight or perspective. While alternatives like "as an interpretation" or "serving as an analysis" exist, "as a commentary" offers a balanced approach suitable for various registers. Remember to employ it thoughtfully to enhance understanding and avoid overuse in place of more direct analytical statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an interpretation

Emphasizes subjective understanding rather than objective description.

offered as a perspective

Suggests presenting a specific viewpoint rather than a comprehensive analysis.

serving as an analysis

Highlights a structured, methodical examination of a subject.

functioning as a critique

Implies a more critical and evaluative stance, rather than a neutral explanation.

used as a reflection

Implies a thoughtful consideration or mirroring of something.

by way of explanation

Focuses on clarifying or providing reasons for something, differing from direct interpretation.

in the nature of a review

Suggests a more formal assessment or overview, typically of a creative work or performance.

considered as an assessment

Highlights the act of evaluating or judging something.

viewed as an observation

Presents the phrase as a remark based on something seen, heard, or noticed.

meant as an illustration

Indicates that it's used to clarify something rather than analyse it.

FAQs

How can I use "as a commentary" in a sentence?

Use "as a commentary" to introduce an explanatory remark or observation about something. For example, "The film serves "as a commentary" on modern society's obsession with technology".

What are some alternatives to "as a commentary"?

You can use alternatives such as "as an interpretation", "serving as an analysis", or "functioning as a critique" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "as a commentary on" or "as a comment on"?

While both are grammatically correct, "as a commentary on" is generally used for more in-depth or elaborate interpretations, whereas "as a comment on" might suggest a briefer or more casual remark.

When is it appropriate to use "as a commentary" in academic writing?

It is appropriate when providing an insightful explanation or critical analysis of a subject within your research. Make sure the commentary adds value and is supported by evidence from your sources.