snippet of text

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "snippet of text" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small portion or excerpt of written content, often in contexts like writing, editing, or programming. Example: "I found a snippet of text in the article that perfectly captures the author's main argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

It then passes back a snippet of text that contains a unique token.

The Economist

When I want to cite a paragraph of a court ruling, I simply copy-paste the snippet of text into my blog.

Cornell University

At the bottom was the address of AIPAC's Web site, and a snippet of text: "AIPAC is directly responsible for the overwhelming support this legislation received on the Hill.

The New Yorker

"Ford," from 2008, is a canvas with markings, like a dirty stucco wall, and a snippet of text silkscreened on the upper right-hand corner that reads: "He wasn't a fool.

The New York Times

Multimedia, crowdsourced fiction is finding root across the Internet, from social-fiction apps like Wattpad to call-and-response videos on YouTube to stories told in serialized Tumblr posts, one picture or snippet of text each day.

The New York Times - Tech

Users are giving us three words at a time and we're able to give back a lot of info: 10 links with titles, snippet of text, and other information about the page.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

My latest collaboration with Mr. Rubin is again a piece that deals in snippets of text.

The New York Times

"We never show more than the headlines and a few snippets of text," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Humans excel at extracting meaning and sentiment from even the tiniest snippets of text, a task that stumps machines.

The Economist

Throughout, there are snippets of text recited by Eva-Maria Kuhrau in breathy voice-overs, as well as by the dancers.

The New York Times - Arts

Six are also illustrated with fold-outs, booklets and pull-out tabs that reveal additional pictures and snippets of text.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "snippet of text" in technical writing, ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes a 'snippet' in your specific application (e.g., character limit, word count).

Common error

While accurate, "snippet of text" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using alternatives like "bit of text" or "short excerpt" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "snippet of text" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a small portion or piece of written material. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts from news articles to code examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "snippet of text" is a common noun phrase used to describe a small excerpt from a larger text. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While its neutral register makes it versatile, alternative phrases like "bit of text" or "excerpt of text" may be more appropriate in informal settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes a "snippet" to avoid ambiguity. Leading authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian commonly employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Excerpt of text

This alternative emphasizes the act of taking a portion out of a larger text.

Fragment of text

This suggests a broken or incomplete piece of text.

Passage of text

This implies a more substantial portion of the text.

Portion of text

This is a general term for a part of a text.

Extract of text

Similar to excerpt, but can also refer to data extracted programmatically.

Quote from the text

This implies that the text is being directly cited.

Line of text

Refers specifically to a single line.

Sentence from the text

Refers specifically to a single sentence.

Section of text

Implies a larger, more organized piece.

Segment of text

Similar to portion, but can also imply division or separation.

FAQs

How can I use "snippet of text" in a sentence?

You can use "snippet of text" to refer to a small piece of writing taken from a larger source. For example, "The search engine displayed a "snippet of text" from the article to help me decide if it was relevant."

What's a more informal way to say "snippet of text"?

Alternatives include "bit of text", "piece of text", or simply "excerpt". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between a "snippet of text" and a "fragment of text"?

A "fragment of text" often implies incompleteness or being broken off, whereas a "snippet of text" simply refers to a small, selected portion.

When should I use "snippet of text" instead of "excerpt"?

"Excerpt of text" is a good alternative. "Snippet of text" is suitable when you want to emphasize the small size and potentially its origin from a digital context, such as search results or code.