as an introduction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an introduction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something serves as a preliminary explanation or opening statement for a topic or discussion. Example: "As an introduction, I would like to share some background information about our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Beginners: how is this as an introduction?

The Guardian

"I think of it more as an introduction service.

The New York Times

As an introduction to Adelboden, it couldn't be bettered.

Independent

As an introduction to the candidates, the Democratic convention, on the whole, did its job.

The New York Times

And as an introduction to APT8 it couldn't have been more perfect.

The Guardian - Arts

Certainly as an introduction to this unique figure we couldn't have done better.

The Guardian - Books

But as an introduction to the character for young readers, SilverFin is very satisfying.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Aimard played two earlier examples from Schumann and Debussy as an introduction.

The New York Times - Arts

Elsewhere, this novel has been billed as "an introduction to the gothic".

The Guardian - Books

Bush associate dramaturg Rob Drummer sees them as an introduction and a sign of openness.

The Guardian

Muldowney also suggests using it as an introduction to congruency – when two shapes are the same.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as an introduction", ensure that the introductory material directly relates to the main topic. Avoid irrelevant or loosely connected information.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple paragraphs or sections with "as an introduction". It can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Use other transitional phrases to guide the reader through your content.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an introduction" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb and indicating the purpose or intent behind an action or statement. As shown by Ludwig, it sets the stage for what follows, acting as a preface or preliminary remark.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as an introduction" is a versatile phrase used to preface information and provide context. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various registers, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While highly functional, avoid overuse for stylistic variety. Consider alternatives like "by way of introduction" or "to begin with". Remember that the effectiveness of "as an introduction" lies in its ability to seamlessly guide the audience into the core subject matter. The phrase should serve as a gateway, preparing the reader for a deeper understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by way of introduction

Replaces "as" with "by way of", offering a slightly more formal tone while maintaining the core introductory function.

to introduce

A more concise and direct way to express the act of introducing a topic or idea.

as a preliminary

Focuses on the preparatory aspect of the introduction, highlighting it as a groundwork for what follows.

in opening

Implies beginning a speech, argument, or discussion.

to begin with

A simple phrase indicating the start of a sequence of points or actions.

as a starting point

Highlights the beginning of a discussion or project, with the expectation of further development.

for starters

An informal way of indicating the first in a series of points or arguments.

at the outset

Emphasizes the timing of the introduction at the very beginning of a process or event.

initially

Highlights the first stage or action in a series.

in the first place

Indicates the primary reason or consideration for something.

FAQs

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

You can use "as an introduction" to preface background information or context before diving into the main topic. For example, "As an introduction, let's review the key concepts of quantum physics."

What phrases are similar to "as an introduction"?

You can use alternatives like "by way of introduction", "to begin with", or "as a preliminary", depending on the context.

Is there a more formal way to say "as an introduction"?

Yes, "by way of introduction" is a more formal alternative that conveys the same meaning. It's suitable for academic or professional settings.

When should I avoid using "as an introduction"?

Avoid overusing "as an introduction" within the same piece of writing. Vary your sentence structure and use different introductory phrases to maintain reader engagement.