guide to

USAGE SUMMARY

'guide to' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to introduce something that will be explained further in the text, for example: This blog post is a guide to the basics of investing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Connecticut Guide to Diversionary Programs.

The New York Times

A guide to wilderness guides.

The New Yorker

REUTERS Guide to Fairway's I.P.O.

The New York Times

A guide to their restaurants.

The New York Times

(Hire a guide to help safely navigate).

The New York Times - Travel

An impassioned guide to comma-usage.

The New Yorker

How about a guide to getting lost?

The New York Times

A video guide to those pesky pronunciations.

The New Yorker

A guide to the pawnshops of Lubbock.

The New Yorker

A handy guide to movie novelisation.

The New Yorker

Display the "Guide to Page 1″ poster.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "guide to" when you aim to provide comprehensive information, instructions, or directions on a specific subject. Be clear about the scope and target audience of your guide.

Common error

Avoid using "guide to" when a simple explanation or description suffices. Ensure the subject warrants a comprehensive explanation rather than a brief overview.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "guide to" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the subject or topic that will be explained. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It signals that the subsequent text will provide direction, instruction, or information about the topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "guide to" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a set of instructions, directions, or comprehensive information on a topic. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, business, and science. While versatile, it's best to use it when the subject warrants a thorough explanation. Alternatives like "introduction to" or "manual for" may be more appropriate depending on the context. It is a phrase frequently found in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and BBC. Keep in mind that while the phrase is versatile, it should be reserved for scenarios that require a comprehensive explanation, as stated in writing guidance section.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manual for

Replaces "guide" with "manual", emphasizing a more instructional approach.

handbook for

Similar to 'manual', but suggests a more concise and readily accessible reference.

introduction to

Focuses on providing initial knowledge or understanding of a subject.

overview of

Indicates a broad and general survey of a topic, rather than detailed instructions.

tutorial on

Emphasizes a step-by-step learning approach, often used in technical contexts.

instructions for

Highlights the procedural aspect, focusing on how to do something.

directions for

Implies providing specific pathways or steps to achieve a goal.

a how-to on

Suggests a practical, hands-on approach to learning a skill or task.

primer on

Indicates a basic and foundational explanation of a subject.

walkthrough of

Implies detailed, step-by-step explanation of the topic.

FAQs

How can I use "guide to" in a sentence?

You can use "guide to" to introduce a comprehensive set of instructions or information on a particular topic. For instance, "This article serves as a guide to understanding quantum physics".

What are some alternatives to using "guide to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "introduction to", "manual for", or "overview of".

What's the difference between "guide to" and "introduction to"?

"Guide to" often suggests a more detailed and practical approach, whereas "introduction to" typically provides a basic overview of the subject.

Is it appropriate to use "guide to" in formal writing?

Yes, "guide to" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when presenting detailed instructions or comprehensive information. Just ensure your content matches the formal tone.