Understanding Excerpts: Definition and Synonyms
Excerpts – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “excerpts” functions primarily as a noun and refers to short extracts or passages taken from a larger work, such as books, articles, speeches, or documents. These extracts highlight specific parts that are considered representative or particularly relevant to the subject matter being discussed. In its singular form, it is “excerpt.”
Core Synonyms
Below is a table listing synonyms for “excerpts” along with their nuances and example sentences. The style/register column indicates the typical contexts where these words might be more appropriately used.
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quotations | Specific extracts or citations from a text | “The professor provided numerous quotations to support his lecture.” | Academic/Informal/Formal |
| Passages | Longer sections taken from a work | “In the anthology, several passages were included to illustrate various themes.” | Formal/Academic |
| Extracts | Similar to excerpts but often used for scientific or technical contexts | “The research paper presented extracts from numerous studies.” | Scientific/Formal/Technical |
| Clippings | Typically informal; snippets taken from printed materials | “She saved the newspaper clippings of her son’s achievements.” | Informal/Casual |
| Fragments | Smaller, disconnected pieces or parts | “The author used fragments to build a mosaic-like narrative.” | Creative/Literary |
Usage Notes
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Quotations are often employed in academic and professional writing when directly referencing authoritative sources. They help bolster arguments by providing evidence.
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Passages suggest more extended excerpts and are frequently used in literary analysis or contexts where longer sections are under review.
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Extracts have a somewhat technical connotation, making them suitable for scientific literature or detailed reports where precise information from documents is essential.
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Clippings might be found in informal discussions about collecting snippets of news articles, magazine stories, etc., often saved by individuals for personal records.
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Fragments, while also indicating small pieces, are particularly useful in creative writing to evoke a certain stylistic effect or mood, suggesting incompleteness or piecing together of ideas.
Common Pitfalls
One common pitfall is using these synonyms interchangeably without regard for their nuanced differences. For example, “fragments” might imply an incomplete or scattered nature, which isn’t suitable for formal citations like “quotations.” Additionally, while “clippings” can be used in informal contexts, it may not carry the academic weight needed for scholarly articles.
Final Recap
To summarize, synonyms of “excerpts” include quotations, passages, extracts, clippings, and fragments. Each carries unique nuances:
- Quotations are formal references to specific lines.
- Passages imply longer segments, often used in analytical contexts.
- Extracts fit technical or scientific discussions.
- Clippings suit informal, personal collections of texts.
- Fragments serve creative writing purposes with a sense of incompleteness.
To master these synonyms and their proper usage, consider incorporating them into various forms of writing. Practice crafting sentences that highlight the distinct meanings each word conveys, or try using them in conversation to solidify your understanding. This exercise will enhance not only your vocabulary but also your ability to communicate ideas clearly across different contexts.