Be brief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Be brief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting someone to keep their communication short and to the point. Example: "In your report, please be brief and focus on the key findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Be brief and enthusiastic!

Columbia University

Be brief, concise and direct.

The Guardian

Be brief and succinct.

Forbes

Be Brief, Don't be Boring.

Forbes

Be brief and to the point.

Huffington Post

Be brief, matter-of-fact, and positive.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

The fantasy is brief.

The New Yorker

His remarks were brief.

The New York Times - Sports

Its heyday was brief.

Independent

Our relationship was brief.

The New Yorker

The visit was brief.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions or presenting information, use "Be brief" to ensure your audience stays focused and doesn't get lost in unnecessary details. This is especially useful in professional settings or when time is limited.

Common error

Avoid using "Be brief" as a standalone command without indicating what specifically should be concise. Always provide context so your audience understands the scope of the requested brevity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Be brief" functions as an imperative, directly instructing the listener or reader to communicate concisely. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English. It is often used to manage time and maintain focus.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Be brief" is a grammatically sound and commonly used imperative phrase that instructs someone to communicate concisely. According to Ludwig AI, its directness makes it suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from news reports to academic discussions. While highly versatile, remember to provide adequate context when using the phrase to avoid ambiguity. Consider more formal alternatives like "be concise" or informal options like "get to the point" depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Keep it brief and to the point

This alternative adds emphasis on directness.

Keep it short

This alternative is less formal.

Be concise

This alternative is more formal.

Get to the point

This alternative emphasizes directness.

Keep it succinct

This alternative stresses brevity and clarity.

State it concisely

This alternative highlights clear and efficient communication.

Cut to the chase

This alternative is more informal and suggests impatience.

Come to the point

This alternative is similar to "Get to the point" but slightly less forceful.

Be pithy

This alternative emphasizes a short and meaningful statement.

Summarize it quickly

This alternative emphasizes speed and summarization.

FAQs

How can I use "Be brief" in a sentence?

You can use "Be brief" as a direct instruction, such as "In your presentation, "be brief" and focus on the main points". It's often used to request conciseness in communication.

What's a more formal way to say "Be brief"?

A more formal alternative is "be concise". This maintains a professional tone while still emphasizing the need for brevity.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "Be brief"?

While generally acceptable, using "Be brief" might be perceived as rude if the situation calls for a more empathetic or detailed response. Consider the context and your relationship with the person you're addressing.

What's the difference between "Be brief" and "Get to the point"?

"Be brief" requests conciseness in general, while "get to the point" urges someone to stop rambling and state their main message directly. The latter can sometimes imply impatience.