write a synopsis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "write a synopsis" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to create a brief summary of a text, film, or other content. Example: "For our next meeting, please write a synopsis of the book we discussed last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Not being able to write a synopsis that does the book any justice whatsoever.

The Guardian

As an extension activity, ask students to write a synopsis or review of one of the films in German.

The Guardian

Over the course of two weeks or longer, clip related articles, and for each write a synopsis and a reflection.

The New York Times

I didn't know how to write a synopsis, so I sent him Adrian Mole's school report, and on the strength of that Geoffrey commissioned a book.

The Guardian - Books

Firstly, I'm in the fortunate position (an increasingly rare one these days) of not having to write a synopsis for the books I write.

The Guardian

A Trick of the Dark by BR Collins 320pp, Bloomsbury, £7.99 Reviewing BR Collins's first novel, the award-winning The Traitor Game, I struggled to write a synopsis that wouldn't bludgeon its subtleties and ambiguities.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"I began writing a synopsis.

The Guardian - Film

He wrote and published Der Fall Wagner Thee Case of Wagner) and wrote a synopsis of his philosophy, Die Götzen-Dämmerung (Twilight of the Idols), Der Antichrist (The Antichrist), Nietzsche contra Wagner, and Ecce Homo, a reflection on his own works and significance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Instead he went home and ruefully wrote a synopsis for a film about a director who has not been allowed to work for 20 years, has a heart condition and thinks death is coming.

The New York Times

This is insane, because, as an extremely successful author friend puts it, "writing a synopsis requires everything that actually writing the novel requires".

TechCrunch

Interviews were recorded digitally, but interviewers also took detailed notes during the interview and wrote a synopsis of the interview.

Global Health Action

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you "write a synopsis", focus on the core narrative and omit minor details to maintain brevity and clarity.

Common error

Avoid including excessive details or minor plot points when you "write a synopsis". Focus on the main narrative arc to provide a clear and concise overview.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "write a synopsis" functions as an imperative verb phrase, commonly used to instruct or request someone to create a concise summary of a text, film, or other work. Ludwig examples show its direct application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Huffington Post

16%

Less common in

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

16%

The New Yorker

16%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "write a synopsis" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, commonly used to instruct someone to create a concise summary. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase appears across various contexts, including news, media, and wiki sources. While it's not exceedingly common, the phrase is well-understood and serves the purpose of requesting a summary effectively. Best practices involve focusing on core narratives and omitting minor details. Common errors to avoid include providing overly detailed information that defeats the purpose of a synopsis. Overall, the phrase is clear and appropriate for its intended use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draft a summary

This alternative uses 'draft' which implies a preliminary version, while 'write' is more general.

compose a summary

Replaces 'write' with 'compose', suggesting a more formal or careful construction of the summary.

prepare a synopsis

Uses 'prepare' indicating the action of getting something ready, similar to 'write'.

create a summary

This alternative uses 'create' instead of 'write', emphasizing the act of bringing something new into existence.

develop a synopsis

Suggests a more detailed or gradual process of creating the synopsis.

formulate a synopsis

Implies a more structured or methodical approach to creating the summary.

pen a synopsis

This is a more literary or old-fashioned way to say write a synopsis.

put together a synopsis

This suggests assembling the synopsis from different parts.

draw up a summary

Uses 'draw up,' implying a formal or official creation of the summary.

outline a summary

Focuses on creating the basic structure or key points of the summary.

FAQs

What's the purpose of writing a synopsis?

The purpose of writing a synopsis is to provide a concise summary of a longer work, such as a book, film, or play. It helps readers or publishers quickly understand the plot, characters, and main themes. It can also function as a sales tool.

How long should a synopsis be?

The length of a synopsis varies depending on its purpose. For a novel, a synopsis might range from one to three pages. For a film, it could be slightly longer. The key is to be concise and highlight the most important elements.

What should I include when I "write a synopsis"?

When you "write a synopsis", include the main plot points, the primary characters and their relationships, the setting, and the overall theme of the work. Focus on the key conflicts and resolutions.

What can I say instead of "write a synopsis"?

You can use alternatives like "draft a summary", "compose a summary", or "prepare a synopsis" depending on the context.