on-screen text

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on-screen text" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to text that appears on a screen, such as in videos, presentations, or software interfaces. Example: "The on-screen text provided helpful information during the tutorial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

During these scenes, one of the female characters asked "What the hell is happening?" On-screen text read "Every horror … has a beginning.

The Guardian

On-screen text during the ad read "Nourished with moisture.

The Guardian

The Kindle Touch has a touch screen and supports on-screen text entry.

The New York Times - Tech

"Today," the on-screen text continues, "some travelers are preparing to find, finally, Augiéras's lost frescoes".

The New York Times

(The filmmakers initially identify them by name with on-screen text but soon drop these helpful tags).

The New York Times

In time, names, places and details slip out, almost reluctantly, mostly though scraps of on-screen text.

The New York Times

The buttons and on-screen text are both tiny, though, and the manual practically requires an electron microscope.

The New York Times - Tech

When the commercial returns to the party, the woman, giggling, says, "Stop it," followed by this on-screen text: "7.3 billion shrimp.

The New York Times

The most disappointing aspect of The Wolf Among Us were the obtrusive "story notifications," bits of on-screen text that inform you of the consequences of Bigby's actions.

The New York Times - Arts

A voice-over states the Sky Unlimited Broadband service is £7.50 with on-screen text stating it is for existing Sky customers only.

Independent

Because the films are silent and don't come with explanatory on-screen text, you can luxuriate in the visual complexity of the images.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing multimedia learning materials, specify the type of "on-screen text" (e.g., captions, labels, instructions) for clarity.

Common error

Be specific about what the "on-screen text" refers to. Instead of saying 'The instructions were on-screen text', clarify with 'The instructions were provided as on-screen captions'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on-screen text" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing text displayed within digital interfaces, video content, or educational materials. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on-screen text" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe text displayed on a screen. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and used in various contexts. The primary contexts include news and media, science, and wiki articles. When using the phrase, it's important to be specific about the type of text you are referring to (e.g., captions, instructions). Alternatives include "displayed text" and "screen text". In educational settings and technical documentation, clarity is key; avoid ambiguity by specifying the function of the "on-screen text".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

screen text

A more concise version of the original phrase.

displayed text

Focuses on the act of displaying rather than the location.

text on display

Highlights that the text is actively being shown.

text overlay

Emphasizes the layering of text over visual content.

written information on screen

More descriptive and less concise, emphasizing the informative aspect.

subtitles

Specifically refers to text used for translation or transcription.

captions

Refers to text providing commentary or describing visual elements.

graphic text

Highlights the visual nature of the text.

digital lettering

Focuses on the digital creation and style of the text.

electronic lettering

Emphasizes electronic context in which the lettering/text appears.

FAQs

How can I use "on-screen text" in a sentence?

You can use "on-screen text" to describe information displayed on a screen, such as "The tutorial used "on-screen text" to guide users through the software".

What is another way to say "on-screen text"?

Alternatives to "on-screen text" include "displayed text", "screen text", or "text overlay", depending on the specific context.

Is "on screen text" or "on-screen text" correct?

"On-screen text" is the correct form. The hyphen connects "on" and "screen" to function as a single adjective modifying "text".

What's the difference between "on-screen text" and "subtitles"?

"On-screen text" is a general term for any text displayed on a screen. "Subtitles" specifically refer to text that translates dialogue or provides commentary in videos.