provide a snapshot

USAGE SUMMARY

"provide a snapshot" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe providing a brief overview or summary of something. For example: The report should provide a snapshot of the company's performance over the past three years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nationwide polls only provide a snapshot.

The Guardian

Results provide a snapshot at 6 months.

Yale University

Together, they provide a snapshot of the war -- and recovery -- in Afghanistan to date.

The New York Times

The decisions Mr. Breinholt collected do provide a snapshot of public and judicial attitudes.

The New York Times

"We have to provide a snapshot, a report card on the way the world is now.

The Guardian - Books

These tables include all deals, regardless of size, and provide a snapshot of overall activity.

The New York Times

These letters provide a snapshot into her life and have been treasured since her death.

The New York Times

These structures provide a snapshot of the enzyme in the first step of the catalytic cycle.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

Documentaries provide a snapshot of the history of digital art since the mid-1960s.

Cornell University

Data from political elections provide a snapshot of the political landscape of a country or region.

Electoral Studies

From stress to peer pressure, celebrity to advertising this comprehensive investigation will provide a snapshot of the UK today.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provide a snapshot", ensure that the context clearly defines what specific aspects are being highlighted. This helps maintain clarity and relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "provide a snapshot" without specifying what is being captured. Ensure the context gives enough detail to prevent the snapshot from being too vague or misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide a snapshot" functions as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It describes the action of giving a concise overview.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

45%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provide a snapshot" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe offering a brief overview or summary of something. As noted by Ludwig, it is appropriate for use in written English across various contexts. The analysis indicates that it is frequently found in news, scientific, and academic sources, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what specific aspects are being highlighted to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer a glimpse

Focuses on providing a brief, often fleeting, view or impression.

give a brief overview

Emphasizes the succinctness and comprehensiveness of the information provided.

present a summary

Highlights the act of condensing information into a shorter form.

offer an outline

Suggests providing a structured framework of key points.

create a profile

Implies developing a detailed representation of a person or entity.

paint a picture

Uses figurative language to suggest creating a vivid, descriptive representation.

provide an assessment

Focuses on giving an evaluation or judgment based on available information.

draw a sketch

Suggests creating a preliminary or rough representation.

furnish a digest

Highlights offering an abridged collection of information.

lay out the essentials

Emphasizes presenting only the fundamental or most important aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "provide a snapshot" in a sentence?

You can use "provide a snapshot" to introduce a brief overview or summary. For example, "This report will "provide a snapshot" of the current market trends."

What are some alternatives to "provide a snapshot"?

Alternatives to "provide a snapshot" include "offer a glimpse", "give a brief overview", or "present a summary". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.

Is "provide a snapshot" formal or informal?

"Provide a snapshot" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's most common in professional and news-related writing.

What does "provide a snapshot" mean?

"Provide a snapshot" means to offer a brief, informative overview or summary of something, capturing its key elements at a particular moment in time. It's like taking a quick photo to show what something is like.