introductory

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "introductory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is designed for or intended for beginners. For example, "This course is an introductory class to basic Spanish grammar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Windows 8.1 costs £100 from Microsoft, but a Windows 10 introductory discount is likely.

The Guardian - Tech

If you have a debt on a credit card you can often save money by transferring your balance to a new card with a low introductory rate.

The Guardian - Money

Week 1: Introductory session - Tuesday 22 September There will be an extended discussion about the nature and purpose of the course, its etiquette and expectations, and the ambitions and preoccupations of the group.

The Guardian

We will also discuss the practical difficulties of writing and do an introductory exercise in class.

The Guardian

Speaking at his introductory press conference, the new manager vowed to ensure players spent more time working with a ball and on their movement in training.

The Guardian - Sport

The Army has recognised that this training will be central to future conflicts and has decided that introductory training will be received by all soldiers as they go through their Initial Training on joining the Army.

The Guardian

Each supplement is based around the millennium development goals, so next there is an introductory feature talking about the MDGs in one country, Tanzania, and how it is progressing.

The Guardian

Week 1: Introduction and warm up - Monday 14 September An introductory session on what the course will entail, its aims and objectives, a breakdown of its core components, and both tutor and student expectations.

The Guardian

This session will also involve some gentle introductory creative writing exercises designed to ease the students into the writing process.

The Guardian

Riad Sapphire has a special 50% off introductory offer for stays of three nights or more, taken before 31 August, bringing the lead-in price this summer to £140 per night for a suite sleeping up to four (riadsapphire.com).com

The Guardian - Travel

Taking place across the vibrant city of London, the course comprises a full-day introductory photo-walk and three early morning workshops with photographer Anthony Epes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "introductory" to describe courses, materials, or events intended for those new to a subject or activity. It sets expectations for a basic level of understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "introductory" to describe content that is highly complex or requires prior knowledge. This can mislead your audience and diminish the perceived quality of your work.

Linguistic Context

Introductory functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate that something serves as an introduction or is designed for beginners. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective “introductory” is used to describe something that serves as a preliminary or basic introduction to a subject. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and very common in diverse contexts such as news, business, and academia. When using “introductory”, ensure the content aligns with a beginner level to avoid misleading your audience. Consider alternatives like "preliminary" or "basic" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use “introductory” to set appropriate expectations and create clear, accessible content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial

Emphasizes the very first stage or occurrence.

preliminary

Focuses on the stage before the main event or activity.

foundational

Stresses the role of providing a base for further learning or development.

basic

Indicates a fundamental level of understanding or skill.

elementary

Suggests simplicity and ease of understanding.

preparatory

Implies preparing someone for something more advanced.

beginning

Highlights the start or commencement of something.

opening

Describes something that serves as an introduction.

start-up

Implies the very first steps to be taken.

kick-off

Implies starting something with enthusiasm and energy.

FAQs

How can I use "introductory" in a sentence?

You can use "introductory" to describe something that introduces a topic or skill, such as "This is an introductory guide to programming", or "She took an introductory course in economics".

What are some alternatives to using "introductory"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "preliminary", "basic", or "elementary" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "introductory" to describe something that is easy to understand?

Yes, "introductory" often implies that the material is designed to be easily understood by beginners. However, it's essential to ensure the content genuinely matches this level.

What's the difference between "introductory" and "advanced" courses?

"Introductory" courses are designed for beginners, while "advanced" courses are intended for those with prior knowledge and experience in the subject. The level of complexity and required background differ significantly.