overview

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overview" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when summarizing or providing a general description of a topic or subject matter. Example: "The report includes an overview of the project's objectives and outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But serious limitations in data collection mean that the report serves as a barometer and not a comprehensive overview.

The Guardian

It also gathers data from telematics units installed in fleet vehicles as well as in-dash systems, giving TomTom a comprehensive overview of traffic flows.

The Guardian - Tech

It quickly becomes a generalised overview of dating apps and sites, and those on them, such as Chris, who has asked out more than 15,000 women, and single-mum Joanna, who treats her date to the immortal line: "I've been a slag.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And you can read the overview from Deborah Mattinson, the founder of BritainThinks, on getting inside the minds of the UK's undecided voters.

The Guardian

His overview conceded that the navy needs more small, fast ships for the asymmetrical counterinsurgency warfare of the 21st century (eg pirates), just as the RAF needs more choppers, as Afghanistan has shown.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ibrahim Ahmed gives a fine performance as a martyred herdsman, while Sissako rustles up a rich and nuanced overview of a nation in crisis, swinging gracefully from gentle satire to righteous rage.

The Guardian - Film

An overview of studies covering more than 400,000 people showed that individuals who exceed 48 working hours per week are likelier to consume "risky" quantities of alcohol, they said.

The Guardian

PO: The welcome pack is a booklet giving information about the party, overview of party organisation and online presence.

The Guardian

This dynamic one-day course provides you with a toolkit of different speed reading techniques to suit different purposes, whether you need to skim an article for a quick overview, or understand all the key points of a heavyweight report.

The Guardian

Similar in style to +100500, their videos usually consist of an overview of the latest viral videos with Davidov hosting and commenting.

The Guardian

Read this review for a full overview before you commit.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing an "overview", clearly define the scope to ensure the summary remains focused and manageable.

Common error

Avoid including excessive details in an "overview". Focus on presenting only the essential information to maintain clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "overview" is as a noun, referring to a brief summary or general survey of a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts, functioning to introduce a concise examination of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overview" functions as a noun to provide a general summary or introduction to a topic. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, business, and academic writing. The phrase is best used to present essential information concisely, setting the stage for more detailed analysis. Alternatives like "summary", "outline", and "recap" can be used depending on the desired level of detail. The frequency of "overview" is very common, with authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist frequently using it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

summary

Provides a condensed version of the main points, focusing on brevity.

synopsis

Offers a brief summary of a story, film, or play.

outline

Presents a structured framework of the key topics.

recap

Summarizes the main events or points, often used for past occurrences.

rundown

Provides a detailed account or summary of events.

survey

Gives a broad perspective on a particular subject.

general review

Focuses on presenting a broad assessment of a topic or subject.

bird's-eye view

Describes seeing something from a high vantage point, offering a comprehensive understanding.

abstract

Offers a concise summary of a research paper, thesis, or presentation.

compendium

Collects and summarizes information on a specific subject comprehensively.

FAQs

How can I use "overview" in a sentence?

You can use "overview" to introduce a summary or a general description, such as: "This report provides an overview of the current market trends."

What's the difference between "overview" and "summary"?

"Overview" generally implies a broader, less detailed perspective, while a "summary" condenses the main points more concisely.

Which is correct, "an overview" or "a overview"?

"An overview" is the correct form, as "overview" begins with a vowel sound.

What can I say instead of "provide an overview"?

Alternatives include "summarize", "outline", or "give a "recap"" depending on the desired level of detail and context.