a brief explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

'a brief explanation' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to provide a succinct but comprehensive explanation of something. For example, "Here is a brief explanation of how the process works: first, we..."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here, a brief explanation is required.

The Guardian - Sport

A brief explanation of the Dave prize.

The Guardian

For each item you include, write a brief explanation of why this particular piece is important.

The New York Times

For each marker, write a brief explanation of its value in Middle Eastern history.

The New York Times

Next to each kite is a brief explanation of its meaning.

The New York Times

Include a brief explanation of the new countries that were formed.

The New York Times

Write a brief explanation of the similarities and differences among the types of media coverage.

The New York Times

Chart your findings and write a brief explanation of what you have learned.

The New York Times

For each image you collect, write a brief explanation of its context within the newspaper.

The New York Times

He offered a brief explanation of his church's best-known tenet.

The New Yorker

Before each song, give a brief explanation of the circumstances under which it was written.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Provide "a brief explanation" when introducing a complex topic to provide context for further discussion.

Common error

Avoid making "a brief explanation" too simplistic, as this might lead to misunderstanding. Ensure it covers the essential aspects of the topic, even if succinctly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief explanation" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject complement or an object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig identifies its use in providing context or introducing a summary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief explanation" is a versatile phrase used to introduce concise overviews across various contexts. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and appears most frequently in news, science, and wiki environments. When writing, remember to ensure that your explanation remains informative despite its brevity. Alternatives include "a concise explanation" or "a short explanation" for similar effects. Ludwig confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a concise explanation

Replaces "brief" with "concise", emphasizing brevity and precision.

a short explanation

Substitutes "brief" with "short", indicating a reduced length of the explanation.

a succinct explanation

Uses "succinct" instead of "brief", highlighting the conciseness and clarity of the explanation.

an abbreviated explanation

Replaces "brief" with "abbreviated", focusing on the reduced or shortened nature of the explanation.

a simplified version

Highlights that explanation is presented in simpler more accessible terms.

a quick rundown

Offers a more informal alternative, suggesting a fast and simple explanation.

a compact account

Emphasizes how little space the explation takes.

a short summary

Shifts the focus slightly from explanation to summarization, implying a condensed overview.

an overview

Provides a general look at a topic, keeping only the most important information.

a thumbnail sketch

Offers a very basic, almost superficial outline.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brief explanation" to introduce or preface a summary or overview of a topic. For example, "Here's "a brief explanation" of the process." or "Let me provide "a brief explanation" before we proceed."

What are some alternatives to "a brief explanation"?

Some alternatives to "a brief explanation" include "a concise explanation", "a short explanation", or "a succinct explanation", each emphasizing the conciseness of the explanation.

When is it appropriate to offer "a brief explanation"?

It's appropriate to offer "a brief explanation" when introducing a new topic, summarizing complex information, or providing context before delving into more detail. It sets the stage for a clearer understanding.

How does "a brief explanation" differ from a detailed explanation?

"A brief explanation" focuses on the core elements and avoids unnecessary elaboration, while a detailed explanation covers all aspects thoroughly, including nuances and supporting information. Choose the option based on the audience's needs and the context.