a brief answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting or providing a concise response to a question or topic. Example: "Please provide a brief answer to the question so we can move on to the next topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It's a very good question: I hope to provide a brief answer here tonight.

University of California, Berkeley

One last question -- we have not much time left, so a brief answer.

University of California, Berkeley

With the Nets, he was a brief answer to the prayers of a franchise seeking an identity.

The New York Times - Sports

Interrupt him and he'll talk over you or give a brief answer and pick up where he left off.

The New York Times

LaHood gives a brief answer to a very long question, simply replying that he doesn't think so.

The Guardian - Business

How are we trying to ensure that our systems more secure, and if we can get a brief answer on that because I got one last question for Admiral Rogers.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Write down a brief answer--you'll draw upon it often.

Forbes

(I remember him apologising at one appearance that he only had time to give a very brief answer to an audience question, before beginning a 30-minute monologue).

The Guardian - Books

It is not unusual for a question to receive a quick, brief answer, only to be followed up in more detail a few days later by a specialist in the relevant field.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

I can't recall the details -- vague small talk -- but she responded to each one with a polite, brief answer and smile before returning to her book.

Huffington Post

But to provide a brief factual answer to an innocuous question does not abuse your office.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a brief answer", consider if further elaboration will be needed to satisfy the audience expectations.

Common error

Avoid making the "a brief answer" so short that it becomes ambiguous or fails to address the core of the question. Ensure clarity is maintained despite the brevity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief answer" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object, often introducing or referring to a concise response to a question. It indicates that the answer will be short and to the point, as supported by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief answer" is a useful phrase for indicating a concise response. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and is most commonly found in news and academic contexts. When using the phrase, make sure that the answer is clear and addresses the question, even if it is short. Related alternatives such as "a short answer" or "a concise response" can be used depending on the context and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short answer

Simpler and more direct alternative. Places emphasis on the answer being concise.

a concise response

Uses a more formal tone with emphasis on clarity and brevity of the response.

a succinct reply

Similar to "concise response" but suggests a more polished or refined answer.

a quick response

Focuses on the speed of the answer rather than its depth.

an abbreviated explanation

Highlights the reduced length and detail of the explanation.

a summary reply

Implies the answer is a condensed version of a longer explanation.

a short explanation

Similar to "a brief answer" but used to clarify things or reasons.

a condensed statement

Suggests the answer has been reduced to its most essential parts.

a terse response

Indicates an answer is not only brief but also possibly abrupt or unfriendly.

an outline answer

Highlights that only the most important aspects are covered by the answer, like an outline.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brief answer" to introduce a concise response, as in "Here's "a brief answer": yes." It's also useful when asking for brevity: "Can I get "a brief answer" to that question?"

What can I say instead of "a brief answer"?

You can use alternatives like "a short answer", "a concise response", or "a succinct reply" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to give "a brief answer"?

It's appropriate to give "a brief answer" when time is limited, when the question requires a simple yes/no response, or when the listener only needs the essential information. Avoid it when detail and context are necessary for understanding.

What's the difference between "a brief answer" and "a short answer"?

While both phrases indicate a concise response, "a brief answer" implies that the answer is shortened due to constraints like time. "A short answer" simply highlights the answer's lack of length, without necessarily implying a constraint.