introduction to the text

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "introduction to the text" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the preliminary section of a document or piece of writing that provides context or background information about the main content. Example: "The introduction to the text outlines the key themes and objectives of the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It occurred to me," he writes in an introduction to the text, that by showing "Caliban's Day" in rehearsal, "the business of conveying the facts could be largely solved".

The New York Times

In the Scarlet Letter, for example, Hawthorne begins the book with an introduction to the text, narrated by an individual who has many autobiographical details in common with the author.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Perhaps most inspiring is Hirsch's curriculum for aspiring teachers, a rigorous and content-rich introduction to the texts that make up American and world literature and history.

The New York Times - Books

When Cameron talks in his introduction to the official text (big-footing Her Majesty, some may feel) of a "two-speed society" – and bigs up the very welcome "northern powerhouse" rhetoric emanating from Tatton's George Osborne – we applaud the sentiment, but note that he is also committed to welfare cuts that will hurt many of the most vulnerable.

The Guardian - Opinion

In his introduction to the published text of "The Audience," Mr. Morgan outlines what he believes to be the monarch's view of the 12 prime ministers that she has known over time, stating that she has shown "a soft spot for losers" — Wilson and John Major being two whom the dramatist proceeds to name.

The New York Times - Arts

In the introduction to that text, Butler notes that subjection is a paradoxical form of power.

SEP

Elmore Leonard, in an introduction to the thirtieth edition of the text, called it, simply, "the best crime novel ever written," and noted that it "makes 'The Maltese Falcon' read like Nancy Drew".

The New Yorker

Below is an introduction to the cause followed by the text of the petition, along with links for those who want more information.

Huffington Post

Looking ahead, "Hayek was also worried about what would transpire if the Allies won," as Bruce Caldwell puts it in his introduction to "THE ROAD TO SERFDOM": Text and Documents — The Definitive Edition (University of Chicago, $17).

The New York Times - Books

With Ernest W. Burgess, Park wrote a standard text, Introduction to the Science of Sociology (1921).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Madhav Khosla, a doctoral student of political theory at Harvard University, is the author of "The Indian Constitution," a short introduction to the world's longest political text, which consists of 395 articles and 12 schedules.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing an "introduction to the text", clearly state the purpose and scope of the text, providing readers with a roadmap of what to expect.

Common error

Avoid making your "introduction to the text" too general or vague. Focus on the specific subject matter and avoid irrelevant information that does not directly relate to the text's content.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "introduction to the text" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying the preliminary section of a written work that provides context, background, or an overview. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "introduction to the text" is a grammatically correct and functional noun phrase used to refer to the opening section of a written work. Ludwig AI supports its validity for clear communication. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias and may be replaced with alternative phrasing, such as "preface to the text", depending on your purpose and audience. It's important to clearly set the stage for your reader, but remember not to make your introduction overly broad.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preamble to the text

Replaces "introduction" with "preamble", emphasizing a preliminary or introductory statement.

preface to the text

Substitutes "introduction" with "preface", highlighting a foreword or introductory remark.

opening of the text

Uses "opening" instead of "introduction", focusing on the initial part of the text.

introductory section of the text

Adds "section" for clarity, specifying the introductory portion.

initial segment of the text

Replaces "introduction" with "initial segment", emphasizing the beginning portion.

preliminary remarks on the text

Focuses on the initial comments or notes pertaining to the text.

foreword to the text

Emphasizes a piece of writing that comes at the very beginning of the text.

lead-in to the text

Uses a more informal term, "lead-in", to describe the introductory part.

introductory material for the text

Specifies that the "introduction" consists of "material", which can include various elements.

background to the text

Shifts the focus to the contextual information provided before the main text.

FAQs

What is the purpose of an "introduction to the text"?

The purpose of an "introduction to the text" is to provide context, background information, and a roadmap for the reader, setting expectations for the content that follows. It often includes the scope, objectives, and key themes of the text.

What are some alternatives to saying "introduction to the text"?

You can use alternatives like "preface to the text", "preamble to the text", or "opening of the text" depending on the context and formality you aim for.

How long should an "introduction to the text" be?

The length of an "introduction to the text" depends on the length and complexity of the text itself. Generally, it should be concise and proportional, providing necessary context without overwhelming the reader. A good rule of thumb is to keep it to around 5-10% of the total text length.

What key elements should be included in an "introduction to the text"?

An effective "introduction to the text" typically includes a hook to grab the reader's attention, background information to provide context, a clear statement of purpose or thesis, and an overview of the main points or structure of the text. It may also define key terms and establish the scope of the discussion.