preview

USAGE SUMMARY

"preview" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used both as a noun (e.g. "We watched a preview of the movie") and as a verb (e.g. "I previewed the report before submitting it").

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On July 14 in Beverly Hills the US Television Critics Association gathered to preview the new shows offered up by cable channels for autumn 2008.

The Guardian

Skylight, which will preview at the Wyndham's theatre in June, will also mark a double return for Bill Nighy.

The Guardian

They review the main storyline for their team and preview the weekend's action below.

The Guardian - Sport

The most dangerous document is an e-mail from Mr Michel mentioning what Mr Hunt would say in Parliament the following day (an "absolutely illegal" preview, he told his boss).In the event, the Rubicon was never crossed.

The Economist

I attended a preview and was hopeful that it would reflect my experiences.

The Guardian - Opinion

He touched on his past opposition to free-trade agreements, his support for heavier regulation of Wall Street and the nation's banking industry, and his vote against the Keystone XL oil pipeline as a preview of his campaign.

The Guardian

Here's our own cycling doyen Will Fotheringham with his preview of today's stage: The Tour won't be won in Steel City but one of the favourites could lose it here, as the series of short steep climbs and some abrupt, narrow and very technical descents – equally difficult, particularly if the roads are wet – will make for a demanding finale, where a crash or a puncture could be very costly.

The Guardian - Sport

I am amazed by a preview I see after meeting Abi.

The Guardian

Both came with endless preview videos, advance downloads, sneak peeks and assorted nonsense – and both underperformed.

The Guardian - Music

During a previous scare, 16 journalists were left stranded on the Smiler for around 30 minutes during a preview ride before it opened to the public in May 2013.

The Guardian

Now obviously we're a little early with this preview, as owing to the ongoing pressure to comply with the FIFA calendar, the final week of the 2013 MLS regular season is scheduled to be played at half-time in the 3rd/4th place game at the Qatar World Cup (though the playoffs will go ahead as planned).

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preview" to indicate a chance to see or experience something before it is generally available. For digital content, ensure your "preview" loads quickly and represents the full product accurately.

Common error

Avoid using "review" when you mean "preview". A "preview" is an advance showing, while a "review" is a critical assessment after release.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "preview" is as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to an advance showing or sample. As a verb, it means to show or view something in advance. Ludwig confirms this dual functionality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "preview" is a versatile term used as both a noun and a verb, indicating an advance look or showing of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It's very common in News & Media and Formal & Business settings, serving the purpose of generating interest or providing early information. While generally neutral in register, it's important to differentiate "preview" from "review" to avoid confusion. Using a "preview" effectively involves ensuring it accurately represents the full offering and loads efficiently, especially in digital contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advance showing

Focuses on the act of displaying something before its official release.

sneak peek

Implies a brief and often unauthorized glimpse.

preliminary look

Highlights the initial nature of the viewing.

early glimpse

Emphasizes the timing of the viewing.

trailer

Specifically refers to a short promotional video for a film or show.

teaser

Implies that what is shown is just enough to pique interest.

pre-screening

Focuses on the act of showing a film before its public release.

test run

Emphasizes the trial nature of the viewing.

dry run

Emphasizes the rehearsal aspect, lacking real-world elements.

sample

Highlights a representative part shown in advance.

FAQs

How can I use "preview" in a sentence?

You can use "preview" as a noun, like in "We saw a preview of the new movie", or as a verb, like in "I previewed the document before sending it".

What is the difference between a "preview" and a "review"?

A "preview" is a sneak peek or advance showing of something, whereas a "review" is an evaluation or critique after something has been released or experienced.

What can I say instead of "preview"?

You can use alternatives like "advance showing", "sneak peek", or "preliminary look" depending on the context.

Is "preview" formal or informal?

The word "preview" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation.