a brief foray

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief foray" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short or temporary venture into a particular activity or area of interest. Example: "After a brief foray into painting, she decided to return to her first love of writing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After only a brief foray, he said, "I'm jaded".

The New York Times

He made a brief foray into politics, running unsuccessfully as a Democrat for the State Senate.

The New York Times

Tells about passing the Nashua Wastewater Treatment Facility and a brief foray up the Nashua River.

The New Yorker

A brief foray into the RBML rare stacks always yields wonderful stories.

Columbia University

While battling your cancer, you made a brief foray into alternative medicine.

The New York Times - Health

Prince revived his original name last year after a brief foray as an unpronouncable symbol.

The Guardian

A brief foray into the "do you know" game with Ryan quickly yields endless Capitol Hill associations.

The New York Times

A brief foray into the formal characteristics of contemporary popular music is used to launch this lecture on musical form.

Yale University

The scenes with the extended Levin family don't quite land, nor does a brief foray into Hollywood satire.

The New York Times - Books

My first contact with the bubbly brigade came during a brief foray into the hair and beauty industry.

The Guardian

Escorted by 20 heavily armed Ecuadorian soldiers, Forbidden Stories managed to make a brief foray into Mataje in early August.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brief foray" to describe a short-term or exploratory involvement in an activity, field, or area of interest. It's particularly effective when highlighting a temporary shift or deviation from a main focus.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief foray" to describe a major, long-term commitment or a defining moment. This phrase implies a short, often experimental, venture and shouldn't be used to downplay a significant event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief foray" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a short-term or initial involvement in a particular activity or area. As Ludwig confirms, it's widely used and understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief foray" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a short or temporary venture into something. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and provides numerous examples across various reputable sources. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts, indicating its versatility. When using this phrase, remember to highlight the limited and exploratory nature of the involvement, and avoid overstating the significance of the venture.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short excursion

Emphasizes the temporary and exploratory nature, suggesting a journey or trip.

a quick venture

Highlights the speed and risk involved in the undertaking.

a temporary involvement

Focuses on the limited duration of the engagement.

a passing interest

Suggests a fleeting curiosity or engagement without deep commitment.

a short experiment

Implies a test or trial with an uncertain outcome.

a limited engagement

Highlights the restricted scope and duration of the activity.

a tentative step

Emphasizes the cautious and uncertain nature of the initial action.

a preliminary investigation

Indicates an initial inquiry or examination to gather information.

a trial run

Suggests a practice or test to evaluate performance or feasibility.

a short-lived attempt

Highlights the brief and ultimately unsuccessful nature of the endeavor.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brief foray" to describe a short or temporary involvement in a particular activity. For example, "After "a brief foray" into painting, she decided to focus on writing."

What are some alternatives to "a brief foray"?

Alternatives include "a short excursion", "a quick venture", or "a temporary involvement", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a brief foray in" or "a brief foray into"?

While both can be grammatically correct depending on the context, "a brief foray into" is more common and generally preferred when referring to entering a new field or activity. For example, "A brief foray into politics."

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

While both suggest a temporary engagement, ""a brief foray"" implies exploration or entry into something, whereas "a short experiment" specifically refers to a test or trial.