serving as an introduction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serving as an introduction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that acts as a preface or opening to a larger discussion or text. Example: "The first chapter of the book is serving as an introduction to the main themes and characters."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Given the scope of serving as an introduction to heart failure epidemiology, this book cannot cover all topics.

Heart Failure: Epidemiology and Research Methods

18 U.S.C. 1030 - The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act : US federal law outlining illegal behavior on computer systems, serving as an introduction to the concept of unauthorized access.

Stanford University

This paper is about these features, serving as an introduction to the special issue of Journal of Hydrology on climatic change impact on water: overcoming data and science gaps.

Journal of Hydrology

Among a few works serving as an introduction to Haremhab's lifetime, the small figure of a scribe, probably from Saqqara in the area of ancient Memphis, is seen seated cross-legged, holding a papyrus scroll unrolled on his lap.

The New York Times - Arts

We provide a brief overview of the Basics of Financial Management serving as an introduction for the scientist or engineer, describing how companies view and measure financial performance overall, and per function, in a company.

Biopharmaceutical Processing Development, Design, and Implementation of Manufacturing Processes

At the entrance to the 2015 exhibition, the organizers placed a large photograph of postwar Warsaw in all its devastation, serving as an introduction to the artist's intellectual context: war destroying everything and everyone, degrading people to passive objects.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

An undergraduate-level textbook which may serve as an introduction to the field is (Vermaas et al. 2011).

SEP

It also serves as an introduction to this special issue.

Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control

This paper serves as an introduction to the variational formulation of Cosserat beams.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Madonna's promotional mini-concerts always serve as an introduction to her next reinvention.

The New York Times

And even the trees and the flowers will serve as an introduction to botany".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serving as an introduction", ensure that the subject clearly leads into a more detailed or complex topic. For instance, a brief overview can "serve as an introduction" to a comprehensive study.

Common error

Avoid using "serving as an introduction" when the content provides more than just a basic overview. If the material delves deeply into the subject, a more accurate description would be "providing a comprehensive analysis" or "offering an in-depth exploration".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serving as an introduction" functions as a present participle phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing its role or purpose. It indicates that something is currently in the process of introducing or providing preliminary information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

30%

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serving as an introduction" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that provides an initial overview or background to a more detailed topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's commonly found in academic, scientific, and news-related contexts, indicating a formal tone. To enhance your writing, make sure the content truly functions as a preface and doesn't delve too deeply into the subject. Consider alternatives like "acting as a preliminary" or "functioning as a lead-in" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acting as a preliminary

Changes the verb from "serving" to "acting" and uses "preliminary" to replace "introduction", focusing on the initial aspect.

functioning as a lead-in

Replaces "serving" with "functioning" and "introduction" with "lead-in", emphasizing the role of guiding into a topic.

providing a groundwork

Shifts the focus to the foundational aspect, using "groundwork" instead of "introduction".

setting the stage for

Uses a more metaphorical expression indicating preparation for what follows.

establishing a basis for

Focuses on creating a foundation or starting point.

offering an initial glimpse

Emphasizes a brief preview rather than a comprehensive introduction.

starting point

A shorter, more direct way to indicate the beginning of something.

preliminary to

A concise way to express something that comes before the main subject.

introductory

An adjectival form that describes something that introduces a subject.

prefacing

A verb form indicating the action of providing a preface or introduction.

FAQs

How can I use "serving as an introduction" in a sentence?

You can use "serving as an introduction" to describe something that provides a preliminary overview or background to a more detailed topic. For example, "This chapter is serving as an introduction to the principles of quantum physics".

What are some alternatives to "serving as an introduction"?

Alternatives include "acting as a preliminary", "functioning as a lead-in", or "providing a groundwork", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "serves as an introduction" or "serving as an introduction"?

Both "serves as an introduction" and "serving as an introduction" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Serves as an introduction" is used when describing a general function or purpose, while "serving as an introduction" is used in continuous tenses to describe an ongoing action or role.

What's the difference between "serving as an introduction" and "functioning as a summary"?

"Serving as an introduction" implies providing initial information or background, whereas "functioning as a summary" indicates condensing and presenting the main points of something already presented. They serve different purposes in a text or presentation.