passage of text

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passage of text" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific section or excerpt from a larger written work, such as a book, article, or document. Example: "In the passage of text from the novel, the author explores the theme of isolation and its impact on the characters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The researchers measured the average voice pitch of 113 heterosexual female undergraduates as they spoke vowel sounds, read a standard sentence and a standard passage of text.

The Guardian

Different students answered different question bundles, each of which were based on a passage of text describing a real-life situation.

The Guardian

Beforehand, students are given a passage of text, which may be part of a judgment, with any legal jargon removed, and asked to discuss it.

The Guardian

It then linked up just over 100 testers and asked them to read a passage of text on a computer screen, before interrupting the participants with one-minute messages – like phone calls.

The Guardian

But questions about perceptions of identity lurk below that unremarkable surface, pushing up in one brief passage of text in which a woman observes another's reflection in a bathroom mirror.

The New York Times - Arts

In the notation of early Ethiopian church music a single letter or a pair of letters (short for a passage of text) signified a group of notes, even a complete melodic phrase.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

It is less interpretation than stenography; lengthy passages of text are recapitulated without alteration.

The New York Times - Arts

You can select passages of text and post them to your Twitter or Facebook accounts.

The New York Times - Tech

There may be too much talking in the score: whole passages of text are spoken or shouted.

The New York Times - Arts

The exams required students to complete more open-ended questions and analyze lengthy passages of text, much of it nonfiction.

The New York Times

In addition, some songs contain recitative-like sections in which passages of text are recited rhythmically on a single pitch.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing literature or academic works, use "passage of text" to refer specifically to the segment you are discussing, ensuring clarity and focus in your analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "passage of text" when simply referring to the general content or theme of an entire work; reserve it for instances where you are discussing a specific, delineated section.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passage of text" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig suggests, it denotes a specific portion of written material under consideration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

41%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "passage of text" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term to denote a specific section of written material, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its usage spans academic, scientific, journalistic, and general informational contexts. While Ludwig indicates its correct grammatical standing, it's important to reserve it for instances where a specific, delineated segment is under discussion and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "textual excerpt" and "section of writing" can provide nuanced variations for specific situations. Pay close attention to the examples provided to ensure accurate and effective application of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

textual excerpt

Refers to a small section extracted from a larger text.

section of writing

Specifies a distinct part of a written work.

portion of text

Indicates a part of the text, emphasizing its fraction of the whole.

segment of text

Highlights a particular part or division of a text.

extract from text

Focuses on taking out a specific section of a text.

textual segment

A formal way to refer to a division of text.

written excerpt

An alternative that specifically highlights a piece of writing.

text fragment

Implies a smaller, possibly incomplete section of text.

excerpt of writing

Focuses on the selected part of the written material.

selected text

Highlights that the passage has been chosen or picked out from a larger work.

FAQs

How can I use "passage of text" in a sentence?

You might say, "The professor asked us to analyze a key "passage of text" from the novel" or "This "passage of text" clearly illustrates the author's main argument".

What are some alternatives to "passage of text"?

You can use alternatives like "textual excerpt", "section of writing", or "portion of text" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "passage of text" or "piece of text"?

While both are acceptable, "passage of text" often implies a more significant or meaningful section, whereas "piece of text" might refer to something shorter or less substantial.

What does it mean to analyze a "passage of text"?

Analyzing a "passage of text" involves a close reading to understand its meaning, identify literary devices, and explore its significance within the broader context of the work.