a brief display

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief display" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a short or temporary exhibition or presentation of something. Example: "The art gallery will host a brief display of local artists' work this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A brief display of solidarity by the main parties immediately after the shooting on Friday quickly fractured.

The New York Times

Once in a while, as Callum Borchers pointed out, in the Washington Post, Lewandowski will emit a brief display of empathy.

The New Yorker

After a brief display in Washington, a photographic exhibition of ceremonial events at the monument will be taken on tour over three years by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.

The New York Times

The rest of the limited space is taken up with a research room; sewing rooms, stuffed with mannequins and old-fashioned machines, and a small exhibition space, recently used for a brief display of women's undergarments.

The New York Times

Today, the customarily convoluted remarks were accompanied by a brief display of 19 bedraggled prisoners, led down from the frigid peaks on muleback by one of the tribal factions.

The New York Times

I had become used to seeing them at traffic intersections across the country: jester-like figures who would skip out in front of the traffic as it waited at red lights, give a brief display of juggling or fire-spinning, then collect any coins the drivers offered them as the cars moved off on either side.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In his review in The Times, Frank Rich wrote of Mr. O'Connor: "He gets his laughs, by hook and crook, and contributes a delightful (if brief) display of his old razzmatazz tap style in Act II".

The New York Times

In contrast, the typescript of Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time – on display with the judiciously phrased letter asking if he felt minded to present it – is poignantly immaculate.

The Guardian - Arts

A brief propaganda display followed: local children were invited to ride on police horses, a PR team displayed the bags of cocaine, cellophane-wrapped blocks of hash and the gun clips they said had been found in the search operations, and a mobile sound van repeatedly broadcast an appeal for support: "People of Rio de Janeiro.

The Guardian

Without ruining the surprise, it's here that the chakras offer a brief, bright display before, we presume, the whole process begins once more.

The Guardian - Arts

A ship's horn sounds amid a brief firework display whenever a home run is scored here, although we are not expect the recording of the Navy's USS Ronald Reagan to sound when Murray hits a forehand winner down the line.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brief display" when you want to emphasize the short duration and visual nature of something being shown or presented. It's suitable for describing events, exhibitions, or even emotional expressions.

Common error

While versatile, "a brief display" can sound less formal than alternatives like "a concise presentation" or "a short exhibition" in certain academic or business settings. Consider your audience and the tone you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief display" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a short or temporary exhibition or presentation. Ludwig examples confirm its use in varied contexts, from art galleries to scientific studies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief display" is a grammatically sound and usable noun phrase, typically employed to describe a short or temporary exhibition or presentation. Ludwig's analysis of numerous sources reveals its frequent use in news, scientific, and academic writing, where it serves to inform and describe events objectively. Although versatile, writers should consider the context and audience, as more formal alternatives might be preferable in specific settings. While Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness, careful consideration of register and nuance ensures optimal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short exhibition

Focuses more on the exhibition aspect and less on the duration.

a quick demonstration

Emphasizes the act of demonstrating something rather than a general display.

a short presentation

Highlights the act of presenting information, suitable for more formal contexts.

a fleeting glimpse

Implies the display is very quick and difficult to fully observe.

a momentary view

Focuses on the viewing aspect, suggesting a short period of visibility.

a passing show

Conveys the temporary nature of the display, often implying it is part of a larger event.

a concise presentation

Highlights the succinct and efficient nature of the presentation.

a compact exhibition

Emphasizes the limited size or scope of the exhibition.

a thumbnail showcase

Suggests a very small or reduced version of a larger showcase.

a rapid exposition

Implies a fast and efficient explanation or presentation.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The museum featured "a brief display" of ancient artifacts" or "She offered "a brief display" of her juggling skills."

What are some synonyms for "a brief display"?

Consider using "a short exhibition", "a quick demonstration", or "a fleeting glimpse" as alternatives, depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a brief display of" or "a short display of"?

Both are acceptable, but "a brief display of" is generally preferred when emphasizing the limited time frame. "Short display" is also correct and often used, depending on the context and desired emphasis.

What is the difference between "a brief display" and "a short exhibit"?

While similar, "a brief display" often implies something more dynamic or temporary, whereas "a short exhibit" suggests a concise presentation that may still be relatively static and structured.