a brief discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a conversation, a presentation, or any other exchange of ideas that is relatively short and concise. For example, "We began our meeting with a brief discussion about upcoming projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Afterward, lead a brief discussion.

The New York Times

To conclude, hold a brief discussion.

The New York Times

Then lead a brief discussion.

The New York Times

There was a brief discussion.

The Guardian - Sport

Conduct a brief discussion on the outcomes.

The New York Times

After a brief discussion, however, the majority prevailed.

The Washington Post

Facilitate a brief discussion around how these choices were made.

The New York Times

Lead a brief discussion on the issues presented.

The New York Times

Engage them in a brief discussion about their new perceptions.

The New York Times

After a brief discussion, she got her way.

The New York Times

There is a brief discussion about what line to take.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brief discussion" to signal that a topic will be addressed concisely, setting expectations for the scope of the conversation or presentation.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief discussion" as filler; ensure the discussion is genuinely brief and adds value. Overusing it can diminish its impact and appear repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief discussion" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a verb. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes an exchange of ideas, opinions, or information that is short in duration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief discussion" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a concise exchange of ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, with a notable presence in science, news, and formal communication. To enhance your writing, use it to signal brevity and focus, but avoid overuse. Alternatives like "a short conversation" or "a quick chat" may suit more informal settings. As with any phrase, context is key to its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short conversation

Replaces 'discussion' with 'conversation' and 'brief' with 'short', focusing on the informal aspect.

a quick chat

Uses 'chat' instead of 'discussion' to imply a more casual and informal exchange.

a short deliberation

Replaces "discussion" with deliberation, implying a more thoughtful and formal consideration but keeps the "short" duration.

a concise exchange

Replaces "discussion" with exchange, highlighting the act of giving and receiving information in a compact manner.

a fleeting dialogue

Emphasizes the transient nature of the interaction.

a short meeting

Focuses on the formal aspect of a meeting, suggesting a short duration.

a summary conversation

Highlights the summarizing aspect of the interaction.

a short conference

Suggests a more formal and structured interaction.

a concise presentation

Emphasizes the clear and compact nature of the presentation.

a light discussion

Suggests a discussion that is not very serious or in-depth.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brief discussion" to introduce a short exchange of ideas. For example, "We had "a brief discussion" about the project's timeline before moving on to the next item on the agenda."

What are some alternatives to "a brief discussion"?

Alternatives include "a short conversation", "a quick chat", or "a concise exchange", depending on the context and formality.

Is "a brief discussion" formal or informal?

"A brief discussion" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though alternatives like "a quick chat" may be more appropriate for informal settings.

When is it appropriate to use "a brief discussion"?

Use "a brief discussion" when you want to indicate that a topic will be addressed concisely and efficiently, without delving into extensive detail.