I'll be brief

USAGE SUMMARY

"I'll be brief" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you will be concise, for example, in a speech, a presentation, a letter, or an email. For example: "Thank you for your time. I'll be brief so we can move on to the next topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"I don't have much time, so I'll be brief".

The New York Times

I worry that disclosing too much here might ruin someone's reading of the story, so I'll be brief: years ago, my grandfather suffered a brain injury on his farm that altered his personality in both upsetting and fascinating ways.

The New Yorker

I did it once on holiday, and I'm aware that it's one of those subjects that people can get pretty boring and sincere about, and sincerity, for we British, is no state in which to dwell, so I'll be brief.

The Guardian

I'll be brief.

TechCrunch

I'll be brief, since I know how busy you must be".

Science Magazine

The importance of learning how to code has been discussed at length so I'll be brief.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"There is a very lively debate about this in the US and I'll be briefing members of the American research community and administration this week on what we're doing on open access.

The Guardian

(Like I have ANY part at all in the creation of Doctor Who...) I'll be briefer about this, but BEING HUMAN The hall is emptier for this panel, it may fill up more slightly as we get closer to Torchwood, but really, these are the dying hours of Comic-Con (which is apposite enough for BEING Human) Toby Whithouse on the creation of the concept.

The Guardian

So I will be brief.

The New York Times - Books

Unlike them, I will be brief.

The New York Times

"I will be brief," he says after seven lines.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I'll be brief" at the start of a presentation or email to set expectations for a concise message. This can help engage your audience or reader by assuring them you value their time.

Common error

Avoid following "I'll be brief" with a lengthy or rambling message. Doing so undermines your credibility and frustrates your audience. Ensure your content matches the promise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I'll be brief" functions as a declarative statement, indicating the speaker's intention to be concise. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use at the beginning of speeches or written communication to set expectations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I'll be brief" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that signals an intention to be concise. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media, as well as formal business settings, serving the purpose of respecting the audience's time and setting expectations for a succinct message. While versatile, it is crucial to follow through on the promise of brevity to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as "I'll keep it short" or "I'll get straight to the point" offer similar ways to convey this intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'll keep it short

Replaces 'brief' with 'short', maintaining the same meaning but using different vocabulary.

I'll be concise

Uses a more formal synonym for 'brief', suitable for professional settings.

I'll get straight to the point

Indicates a direct approach, implying brevity by avoiding unnecessary details.

I'll be to the point

Similar to 'get straight to the point', indicating directness and brevity.

Let me be quick

Focuses on speed, suggesting the message will be delivered rapidly.

To be succinct

A more formal way of promising brevity, often used in writing or formal speech.

I won't take up much of your time

Emphasizes the speaker's awareness of the listener's time, promising brevity.

Let me summarize quickly

Highlights the intention to provide a rapid overview, implying brevity.

I'll cut to the chase

Implies removing unnecessary preamble and focusing on the essential information.

In short

A very direct way of indicating that one is about to summarize or be brief.

FAQs

How can I use "I'll be brief" in a sentence?

You can use "I'll be brief" at the beginning of a speech, presentation, or email to indicate that you intend to be concise. For instance, "I know you're all busy, so "I'll be brief" and get straight to the main points".

What's a more formal way to say "I'll be brief"?

A more formal alternative to "I'll be brief" is "I'll be concise". This option is suitable for professional settings or when addressing a formal audience.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I'll be brief"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "I'll" is a contraction of "I will," and "be brief" is a verb phrase indicating a future action of being concise.

What can I say instead of "I'll be brief" when writing an email?

In an email, you could use alternatives like "I'll keep it short" or "I'll get straight to the point" to convey a similar message.