introduction
B1Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The action of bringing something into use or existence for the first time; the act of formally presenting one person to another.
A preliminary section of a book, report, speech, or piece of music that explains its subject or purpose; the process of making someone familiar with a new subject or activity; the formal presentation of a parliamentary bill.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. The meaning shifts based on context: social (people meeting), textual (opening section), or process-based (initiating something new).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic differences. Minor spelling variations in derived forms (e.g., introducing/introduced are same).
Connotations
Equally formal in both varieties. Slightly more common in British parliamentary procedure context.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both corpora.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
introduction to + NOUN (subject/topic)introduction of + NOUN (new thing/process)introduction by + AGENT (author/speaker)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Need no introduction (to be already famous/known)”
- “By way of introduction (as an opening remark)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to launching a new product, service, or policy into the market.
Academic
The opening section of a paper, thesis, or book stating the aims and context.
Everyday
Making people known to each other socially.
Technical
The act of inserting or establishing something into a system (e.g., introduction of a species).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She will introduce the speaker at the conference.
American English
- He introduced the bill to Congress last week.
adverb
British English
- The concept was introduced quite recently.
- He spoke introductory, before the main lecture.
American English
- She started the meeting introductorily.
- The product was launched introductorily at a low price.
adjective
British English
- The introductory chapter was very clear.
- We offer introductory courses for beginners.
American English
- The introductory price is valid this month only.
- She gave an introductory speech.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is my friend, Mark. Can I make an introduction?
- The book has a short introduction.
- The introduction of smartphones changed communication.
- I wrote the introduction to my essay.
- His introduction to jazz came through his grandfather's record collection.
- The report's introduction clearly outlines the methodological challenges.
- The diplomat facilitated the delicate introduction of the dissident to the minister.
- The introduction of quantum concepts into the curriculum was met with both scepticism and acclaim.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'INTRO' (the beginning part) + 'DUCTION' (like 'production' – bringing forth). It's the act of bringing something forth for the first time.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEGINNING IS AN ENTRANCE (The introduction is the door to the main content).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'интродукция' (musical term only); use 'введение' or 'знакомство'.
- Do not confuse with 'preface' or 'foreword' which are more specific to books; 'introduction' is broader.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'introduction' as a verb (correct verb is 'to introduce').
- Confusing 'introduction to' (subject) with 'introduction of' (thing being introduced).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'introduction' used in a SOCIAL context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'preface' is by the author about the book's creation. A 'foreword' is by someone else endorsing the book. An 'introduction' is part of the main content, outlining the subject.
No. The noun is 'introduction'; the verb is 'to introduce'.
Use 'introduction to' for a subject you are being made familiar with ('an introduction to physics'). Use 'introduction of' for the thing being brought in ('the introduction of a new tax').
'Intro' is informal and common in spoken English or certain contexts (music, casual writing). Use the full word in formal writing.