preliminary reading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary reading" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the initial or introductory reading done before delving deeper into a topic or subject. For example: "Before starting on their research project, the students were required to do some preliminary reading on the topic to gain a basic understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everything must be packed and preliminary reading attempted.

The Guardian - Opinion

It compared with a preliminary reading of minus 3.0 percent.

The New York Times

The preliminary reading in the China survey for March dropped to 48.1 from 49.6 in February.

The New York Times

That was slightly below the preliminary reading of a 0.9percentt rise.

The New York Times

A company lawyer stopped in to say that a preliminary reading of the ruling looked promising.

The New York Times - Magazine

The prognosis, judging by a preliminary reading of the survey published Thursday, was poor.

The New York Times

The new figure was higher than the preliminary reading of 82.7.

The New York Times

The preliminary reading showed the index at 71.8, down from 74.3 the month before.

The New York Times

On Thursday, HSBC releases a preliminary reading of its China manufacturing purchasing managers index for August.

The New York Times

Economists cautioned that the GDP data is a preliminary reading and will be revised twice more in coming months.

The Washington Post

On top of the US jobs figures, consumer confidence has climbed sharply according to a preliminary reading for December.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preliminary reading" to denote the initial stage of engaging with a text or subject matter. This is particularly useful in academic, professional, and research settings where a foundation of knowledge is required before deeper analysis.

Common error

Avoid treating "preliminary reading" as a substitute for thorough analysis. It is meant to provide an overview and guide further investigation, not to serve as a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary reading" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes the act of reading something in an initial or preparatory manner. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preliminary reading" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes the act of reading to gain an initial understanding of a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, business, and science. While it appears most often in News & Media, its formality lends itself well to Academic and Business contexts as well. For alternative phrasing, consider "introductory reading" or "background reading". Remember that "preliminary reading" serves as a foundation and should not be confused with in-depth analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preparatory reading

Stresses the reading's role in preparing for something else.

introductory reading

Emphasizes the reading as an introduction to a subject.

background reading

Highlights the provision of context and foundational knowledge.

initial study

Focuses on the act of studying something for the first time.

familiarization with the text

Focuses on becoming familiar with the content of the text.

initial assessment of the literature

More formal and specific to academic or research contexts.

pre-reading activity

Emphasizes the reading as an activity done before something else.

first pass reading

Suggests a quick, initial read-through.

cursory reading

Implies a brief and not very thorough reading.

initial scan

Focuses on quickly scanning the material to get a general idea.

FAQs

How to use "preliminary reading" in a sentence?

You can use "preliminary reading" to describe the initial stage of studying a topic. For instance, "The professor suggested some "preliminary reading" before the lecture" or "Complete the "preliminary reading" to get an overview of the subject".

What is the purpose of doing a "preliminary reading"?

A "preliminary reading" aims to provide a basic understanding of a subject. It helps to identify key concepts, assess the scope of the material, and prepare for more in-depth study. Think of it as reconnaissance before a major campaign.

What can I say instead of "preliminary reading"?

You can use alternatives like "introductory reading", "background reading", or "preparatory reading" depending on the context.

Is "preliminary reading" only for academic contexts?

While frequently used in academic settings, "preliminary reading" isn't exclusive to them. It can apply to any situation where initial familiarization with information is needed, such as preparing for a business meeting or researching a new hobby.