a brief acknowledgment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief acknowledgment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a short recognition or expression of gratitude towards someone or something. Example: "In my speech, I would like to start with a brief acknowledgment of the support I received from my colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

After we receive the donation we will send a brief acknowledgment to assure you that the material arrived safely.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If so, a brief mention would be helpful along with an acknowledgment that the data for scenes and the fornix have less specificity than those for faces and the ILF.

eLife

A brief reference to another writer or collaborator may appear deep on the acknowledgments page.

The New York Times

Still, Sunday's brief acknowledgment didn't resemble a news program seriously trying to get to the bottom of how it got duped.

Huffington Post

Undoubtedly (and I loved the brief acknowledgment of that courage on Stannis' face).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I do agree with his brief acknowledgment, in closing, that it is best to have "grass roots movements" drive reform.

The New York Times

Just that brief acknowledgment is enough to reassure me that I am not alone, which counteracts the survival fears.

Huffington Post

I can see nonfiction writers who have done a lot of research thanking numerous people, but novelists should put brief acknowledgments at the front of a book.

The New York Times - Books

The work deals with both, but the vague style and the absence of detailed footnotes (Ringdal has chosen to rely on brief acknowledgments for each chapter, and a bibliography) make it difficult to distinguish where the narrative moves from myth or belief into reality.

The Guardian - Books

In the brief acknowledgments section, Podhoretz thanks Lionel Trilling, who, he says, "has taught me more than he or I ever realized — though not, I fear, precisely what he would have wanted me to learn".

The New Yorker

Apart from a brief and partial acknowledgment, spurred by petitioner's concession that the state cases might warrant exploration, the Court has been content simply to compare the terms of the statute with the provisions of the Fourth Amendment; upon discovery that their words differ, it has concluded that the statute is constitutionally impermissible.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brief acknowledgment" when you want to indicate that you are only giving a short amount of attention or recognition to something. This is especially useful when you want to move on to other, more important topics.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief acknowledgment" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your writing sound dismissive or insincere. If you find yourself using it often, consider using stronger, more specific language to express your gratitude or recognition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief acknowledgment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "brief" modifies "acknowledgment". Ludwig AI confirms its usability, indicating it's a standard way to refer to a short recognition or expression of thanks, as shown in its examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief acknowledgment" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to denote a concise form of recognition or gratitude. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English and effective across various registers, from neutral news articles to academic papers. While common, alternatives like "a short acknowledgment" or "a quick mention" can add nuance. Be mindful not to overuse the phrase to avoid sounding dismissive, and remember that context dictates the most appropriate synonym. This phrase's frequency in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its relevance and utility in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short acknowledgement

Replaces 'brief' with 'short', emphasizing the concise nature of the acknowledgement.

a quick recognition

Focuses on the speed and conciseness of the recognition.

a short thank you

Specifically frames the acknowledgment as an expression of gratitude.

a concise nod

Implies a very short and simple form of acknowledgment, often non-verbal.

a fleeting mention

Highlights the transient and short-lived nature of the acknowledgment.

a passing reference

Suggests the acknowledgment is made in passing, not dwelled upon.

a succinct affirmation

Suggests the acknowledgment is a clear and concise statement of agreement.

a minimal response

Highlights that the acknowledgment is the smallest possible response.

a truncated acknowledgement

Emphasizes that the acknowledgment is shortened or cut off.

a token gesture

Presents the acknowledgement as a symbolic and brief act.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brief acknowledgment" to introduce a short recognition or expression of gratitude. For example: "In my speech, I want to start with "a brief acknowledgment" of the support I received from my colleagues."

What is a synonym for "a brief acknowledgment"?

Some synonyms for "a brief acknowledgment" include "a short recognition", "a quick mention", or "a passing reference". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a briefly acknowledgment"?

No, "a briefly acknowledgment" is grammatically incorrect. "Brief" is an adjective that modifies the noun "acknowledgment". "Briefly" is an adverb and cannot be used in this context.

What's the difference between "a brief acknowledgment" and "an extended acknowledgment"?

"A brief acknowledgment" indicates a short and concise recognition, while "an extended acknowledgment" suggests a more detailed and thorough expression of gratitude or recognition. The choice depends on the level of detail needed.