snapshots

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'snapshots' is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to photographs taken quickly, usually without much preparation or attention to composition and detail. For example, "I took a few snapshots of my friends at the beach to remember our day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So, here were two snapshots about sexual assault: one showing that, while false rape accusations are relatively rare, rape denial still remains rife, even among some police – the very people who hold the key to any kind of justice.

The Guardian - Opinion

The form functions in a similar way to poetry in that it usually distils and condenses rather than embellishes, creates snapshots rather than fully fledged narratives and moves more swiftly towards closure.

The Guardian

In the one state they both surveyed, Virginia, the two pollsters send back very different snapshots.

The Guardian

The diary, which also contains snapshots of Madi's dog, Joe; newspaper clippings; and comments about food prices, the weather and politics, was donated to the museum by Madi's grandson, Stephen Walton, of Amarillo, Texas.

The Guardian

Schools would be judged not by snapshots of performance but by whether students progress over time.

The Economist

The eyewitness anonymous statements of soldiers who were either on the ground or in command-and-control centres provide snapshots of the reality of war in an urban environment.

The Economist

That used to mean shopping for luxury brands and taking snapshots at landmarks, says Roy Graff of China Edge, a consultancy.

The Economist

And "Snapshots from Baghdad" by Roman Ondak consists of a disposable camera with undeveloped film, suggesting the images the West has both refused to see and failed to exhibit.

The Economist

Of course, these are early, incomplete, snapshots, but the chances of a double dip over the coming year, which seemed relatively small only a month ago, have risen alarmingly.If that happens, then America's politicians will bear much of the blame (see article).

The Economist

The current-budget deficit, which excludes net investment, will be 0.6% of GDP in 2006-07, compared with 2.8% in 1996-97.The institute's judgment, based on these two snapshots, seems rather charitable.

The Economist

His intimate, reportage-style snapshots of fellow- conscripts in the Austro-Hungarian army during the first world war writing letters, delousing, at the latrines, boxing or courting a peasant girl anticipate 1950s photojournalism.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "snapshots" when you want to convey a sense of immediacy or capture a brief glimpse of something. It's suitable for both literal photographic instances and figurative representations of situations or data.

Common error

Avoid using "snapshots" when you're describing comprehensive or in-depth analyses. "Snapshots" imply a quick, surface-level view, not a thorough investigation.

Linguistic Context

The noun "snapshots" functions primarily as a plural noun, often referring to multiple quick photographs or brief views. According to Ludwig, the word is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, capturing fleeting moments or providing concise overviews.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "snapshots" functions as a plural noun denoting quick photographs or brief overviews. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Its usage spans from informal contexts, like personal photos, to more formal settings in news and business. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business sources, the term offers a way to capture fleeting moments or provide concise summaries. When using "snapshots", remember its purpose: to convey a brief, immediate view, not an in-depth analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quick glimpses

Focuses on the brevity and fleeting nature of the view.

brief overviews

Emphasizes the summary and concise presentation of information.

momentary views

Emphasizes the instantaneous nature of the observation.

fleeting moments

Highlights the transient quality of an experience or observation.

succinct summaries

Highlights the conciseness and completeness of the overview.

short takes

Suggests a brief, often critical, perspective on a subject.

concise accounts

Focuses on the brevity and precision of the description.

passing impressions

Focuses on the subjective and immediate nature of a perception.

rapid assessments

Suggests a quick and efficient evaluation of a situation.

cursory examinations

Emphasizes the superficial and hurried nature of the inspection.

FAQs

How can I use "snapshots" in a sentence?

You can use "snapshots" to describe quick, informal photographs, like "I took some "snapshots" during my vacation". It can also refer to brief glimpses or overviews of situations, such as "The report offers "snapshots" of the company's financial performance".

What are some alternatives to the word "snapshots"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "glimpses", "overviews", "profiles", or "images".

When is it appropriate to use the term "snapshots"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey the idea of capturing something quickly, often without much detail or analysis. It can refer to literal photographs or figurative representations of a situation at a particular moment.

How does the use of "snapshots" differ from "comprehensive analysis"?

"Snapshots" are brief, immediate views, whereas a "comprehensive analysis" involves a thorough and detailed investigation. Using ""snapshots"" implies a quick look, while a "comprehensive analysis" suggests a more in-depth study.