In brief

USAGE SUMMARY

"In brief" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a concise summary or quick overview of a topic. For example, "In brief, the author argues that the United States should increase its investment in urban infrastructure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In brief, numbers matter".

The New York Times

In brief, certain sounds were made.

The New Yorker

In brief – you're not qualified".

The Guardian

In brief, it's absolute rubbish".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In brief, first its timing was wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

In brief, rock stars want attention.

The Guardian - Books

In brief, the republic has been bought.

The New Yorker

In Brief: Asia's superman.

Forbes

In brief, limit your enthusiasm.

Forbes

In Brief: Mexico’s Midas.

Forbes

In Brief: The longest yards.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "In brief" to introduce a condensed version of a longer explanation, making it easier for the reader to grasp the key points quickly.

Common error

Avoid using "In brief" multiple times within a short passage. It can make your writing repetitive. Instead, vary your introductory phrases or rely on context to indicate brevity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "in brief" is to serve as an adverbial phrase, modifying the subsequent clause or sentence by indicating that the information will be presented concisely. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its role in introducing summaries or key points.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in brief" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively introduces a concise summary or overview. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and formal writing. When using "in brief", remember to avoid overuse and consider alternative phrases like "in summary" or "in short" for variety. Examples show it helps readers quickly grasp the main points, making your writing more efficient and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In summary

This alternative is more formal and directly indicates a summarization of preceding information.

To summarize

This alternative is also formal and explicitly introduces a summary.

In short

This alternative is very similar in meaning, offering a quick, condensed version.

In essence

This alternative focuses on the core, fundamental nature of something.

In a nutshell

This alternative implies a very concise and simplified explanation.

To put it briefly

This alternative explicitly indicates the intention to be concise.

Briefly

This alternative is a single-word adverb conveying the same idea of conciseness.

Concisely

This alternative is an adverb highlighting the quality of being brief and comprehensive.

In a word

This alternative emphasizes extreme conciseness, reducing something to a single word.

In outline

This alternative suggests presenting the main points without detail.

FAQs

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

"In brief" is typically used to introduce a short summary or explanation. For example, "In brief, the study found a strong correlation between exercise and mental health."

What are some alternatives to using "In brief"?

You can use alternatives such as "in summary", "to summarize", or "in short" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "In brief,ly"?

No, it is not correct. "In brief" already implies brevity, so adding "-ly" creates a redundant construction. Just use "In brief".

What is the difference between "In brief" and "In detail"?

"In brief" introduces a concise summary, while "in detail" provides a thorough and comprehensive explanation.