a brief examination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief examination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a quick or concise review or analysis of a subject or topic. Example: "The report includes a brief examination of the current market trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

After a brief examination of pipe system flaws, load sharing in a flawed pipe is discussed.

Rehabilitation of Pipelines Using Fiber-reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites

A brief examination of documents demonstrates that Aetna was hardly the only company that engaged in the practice.

The New York Times

She reviewed the woman's records — all the medications she'd taken, all the tests she'd undergone — and did a brief examination.

The New Yorker

A brief examination of some of the research on the post-buckling analysis of plates and plate structures is outlined.

Thin-Walled Structures

After a brief examination, in which the trainer appeared to be working on Williamson's right knee, he left for the locker room and did not return.

The Washington Post

After all, even a brief examination of the Muppet canon reveals a definite and longstanding liberal bias: The Muppet Movie (1979).

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

We assessed knowledge based on a brief written examination and then evaluated scores on the examination with respect to institution, post-graduate year of training, and number of tuberculosis cases seen within the past year.

BMC Infectious Diseases

A complete physical examination will be performed at screening and a brief physical examination will be performed at months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12.

BMC Family Practice

Medical history of malaria (history of fever, treatment for malaria and other spontaneously reported symptoms) and a brief medical examination including spleen measurement (using Hackett's classification), axillary temperature and targeted clinical examination were performed.

Plosone

Maidana submitted to a brief medical examination and then wandered, confusedly, to his corner.

The New Yorker

After a brief, disappointed examination of the bun, Moten, who recently became a professor at N.Y.U. after a few years at the University of California, Riverside, found an idea.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a brief examination", ensure that the level of detail is appropriate for the context. It should provide sufficient information without being overly exhaustive.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief examination" when a more thorough investigation has been conducted. This can mislead the audience about the extent of your analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief examination" primarily functions as a noun phrase that introduces a concise analysis or overview of a particular topic. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase precedes discussions in various fields like science, news, and academia.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

36%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a brief examination" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to introduce a concise overview or analysis of a topic. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is prevalent in academic, news, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the level of detail is appropriate and that you're not overstating the depth of your analysis. Alternatives like "a quick look", "a concise review", and "a short analysis" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Ludwig's examples highlight its versatility and broad applicability across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a concise review

Highlights the succinctness of the overview, emphasizing brevity.

a short analysis

Focuses specifically on the analytical aspect, omitting the broader scope implied by "examination".

a preliminary assessment

Indicates an initial evaluation, often before a more in-depth study.

a compact study

Emphasizes the efficiency and small scale of the investigation.

a quick look

Implies a faster and less detailed assessment than "a brief examination".

a swift appraisal

Emphasizes the speed of the evaluation.

a cursory inspection

Suggests a superficial and rapid check, possibly less thorough than "a brief examination".

a snapshot overview

Conveys a very high-level, immediate understanding.

a thumbnail sketch

Implies an even more condensed and simplified version.

a fleeting glance

Suggests an extremely short and often unintentional observation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brief examination" to introduce a summary or overview of a topic, as in "A brief examination of the data reveals several key trends."

What are some alternatives to "a brief examination"?

Alternatives include "a quick look", "a concise review", or "a short analysis", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a brief examination" in formal writing?

Yes, "a brief examination" is suitable for formal writing, especially when introducing a concise overview of a topic. However, ensure the level of detail matches the claim of being "brief".

What's the difference between "a brief examination" and "a thorough investigation"?

"A brief examination" implies a quick overview, while "a thorough investigation" suggests a detailed and comprehensive analysis. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the depth of the analysis conducted.