excerpt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excerpt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a portion or passage taken from a larger text, such as a book, article, or speech. Example: "The author included an excerpt from her novel in the promotional material to give readers a taste of her writing style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To cheer him up, Claudia reads the old baron another excerpt from Inge's diary and we're back in 1864.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Here's an excerpt from the briefing note sent out by the party.

The Guardian

In an excerpt released by Brand on Tuesday, Miliband said many voters shared his outrage over multinationals who use complicated tax arrangements to minimise the amounts they pay, and assured him: "We've got to deal with that".

The Guardian

Here's an excerpt - Wong on Gillard and the gender question.

The Guardian

Bin Laden says nothing in the excerpt broadcast yesterday but al-Zawahiri, his Egyptian deputy and mentor, hails September 11 as a triumph, in the most direct al-Qaida claim of responsibility seen so far.

The Guardian

That said, I did like the excerpt from former Gladiator David's personal website that featured in the various reports on the matter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Here's an excerpt of his email: I am a researcher based at the Centre of African Studies, Edinburgh University and have been working on northern Uganda since 2009.

The Guardian

IF YOU were as intrigued as I was by the mention of retired General James Jones on Barack Obama's short-ish list of vice-presidential candidates, then it's worth reading this excerpt (via Noam Scheiber) from Bob Woodward's "State of Denial".

The Economist

An excerpt from "This Bitter Earth" (2005), made when he served as resident choreographer there, is also included in "21st Century" and is movingly lyrical.But it is Justin Peck's "Everywhere We Go" (pictured) that is most exciting.

The Economist

(Dallas Fed, via Mark Thoma) Long, but worthwhile read of the day the first: Ryan Lizza profiles Larry Summers (New Yorker) Long, but worthwhile read of the day the second: Vanity Fair publishes an (extensive) excerpt from Andrew Ross Sorkin's forthcoming book on the crisis.

The Economist

An excerpt from his best selling book of 1820 gives a flavour of the antiquarian practices of the time:Surrounded by bodies, by heaps of mummies in all directions; which previous to my being accustomed to the sight, impressed me with horror.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing an "excerpt", clearly state its source to provide context and credibility for your writing. For example, 'In an excerpt from The Economist...'

Common error

Avoid presenting an "excerpt" as the complete work; always indicate that it is a portion of a larger text to prevent misrepresentation and maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excerpt" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a selected portion of a larger text, speech, or piece of media. Ludwig indicates it's grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it introducing quotations or segments from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "excerpt" is a grammatically correct and common noun used to refer to a selected portion of a larger work. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. When using an "excerpt", it's important to clearly identify the source and avoid misrepresenting the scope of the original work. Related phrases such as "extract", "passage", and "selection" can be used as alternatives, though they may carry slightly different nuances. Whether you are writing a news article, an academic paper, or any other content, using the word "excerpt" with precision and clarity will enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extract

Emphasizes the act of drawing something out from a larger source, very similar in meaning but can also refer to substances.

extract

Focuses on the act of pulling out specific content, similar to 'excerpt' but can also be a verb.

passage

Refers to a section of text, often used interchangeably but can also mean a way through.

selection

Highlights the act of choosing a specific part from a larger collection.

portion

Indicates a part or share of something, applicable when referring to a segment of text.

fragment

Suggests a broken-off or incomplete part, implying a smaller and potentially disjointed piece.

segment

Refers to a distinct part or section, often used in a more formal or technical context.

citation

Highlights a quote used as evidence or support, with a more academic connotation.

quotation

Emphasizes the direct repetition of someone else's words.

part

A general term for a piece of a whole, less specific than "excerpt".

FAQs

How do I properly introduce an "excerpt" in my writing?

Introduce an "excerpt" by clearly stating the source and author to provide context. For example, 'In an excerpt from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice...' This ensures clarity and avoids misrepresentation.

What are some alternatives to the word "excerpt"?

You can use alternatives like "extract", "passage", or "selection" depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance.

When is it appropriate to use an "excerpt" in academic writing?

Use an "excerpt" in academic writing to support your arguments, provide evidence, or analyze specific passages. Always cite the source properly to avoid plagiarism.

What's the difference between an "excerpt" and a summary?

An "excerpt" is a direct quotation from a text, while a summary is a condensed version of the main points. An excerpt presents the original author's words, whereas a summary rephrases the content in your own words.