a brief indication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief indication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to refer to a short or concise piece of information or signal about something. Example: "The report provides a brief indication of the project's progress over the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Having completed our discussion of the general theory, we turn to a brief indication of its history.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

Also, we give a brief indication of how the effect of additive degenerate noise (i.e. noise that does not act directly to the dominant mode) might lead to the stabilization of the trivial solution.

Advances in Difference Equations

Other individuals who have participated in generation of the research paper but who do not meet the criteria for authorship should be listed in the acknowledgement section with a brief indication of the nature of their contribution.

Science Magazine

A brief indication of the method used to propagate to epoch 2010.0 is provided in the final column of Table 4. Larger differences in the candidate models are expected due to this additional complication; it the IGRF-11 model for epoch 2010.0 is therefore only provisional and will be updated to a DGRF in 2014 during the IGRF-12 process.

Earth, Planets and Space

It is not intended for InnateDB to comprehensively annotate all of the roles of a given gene, but rather to provide a brief indication as to whether the gene has a role in innate immunity.

BMC Systems Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Project begins to address issues of propagation from the very beginning of the project Very little Significantly Brief indication developers are thinking about making the product useful In addition to identifying what will be useful and how barriers will be overcome, there is a plan for formative feedback from the intended audience during development A4.

International Journal of STEM Education

However, this initial report only provided an overview of the restructuring and brief indications on effort and on the produced effects on quality and productivity.

Journal of Software Engineering Research and Development

Some brief indications of which side of that spectrum the Gaslight Anthem was falling on took place early in the band's album-release show at Webster Hall on Tuesday night.

The New York Times - Arts

To determine the long-term consequences of mating on CHC expression, we allowed males a single mating opportunity and subsequently found some indication of a brief spike in CHCβ.

Animal Behaviour

Third aim is a brief summary of the clinical indications and experimental lines of evidence of radiosurgery for the central nervous system.

BioMed Research International

The principal method used to prevent crashes associated with routine changes in signal indications is employment of a traffic signal change interval — a brief yellow and all-red period that follows the green indication.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a brief indication", ensure it's followed by the actual indication. Don't leave the reader hanging; provide the concise information promised.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief indication" as filler. Always follow it with actual, though concise, information; otherwise, the phrase becomes meaningless and weakens your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief indication" functions as an introductory element, signaling that the following information will be concise and not exhaustive. It sets the reader's expectation for a summary or a hint, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a brief indication" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that serves to introduce concise pieces of information. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceptionally common, it appears across diverse fields such as science, news, and formal writing. The phrase is best used when you want to prepare your audience for a short summary or hint, ensuring you then provide the promised concise detail. Overusing it without substance is a common pitfall to avoid. Alternatives like "a short notice" or "a quick sign" can be considered for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short notice

Replaces "indication" with "notice", suggesting a formal or public announcement.

a quick sign

Substitutes "indication" with "sign", implying a more visual or easily perceived cue.

a concise hint

Replaces both "brief" and "indication" with synonyms emphasizing brevity and indirectness.

a fleeting glimpse

Uses "fleeting glimpse" to convey a sense of something seen only momentarily.

a passing reference

Emphasizes that the information is mentioned only in passing, without detailed explanation.

a summary overview

Highlights the summarization aspect of the information provided.

a thumbnail sketch

Implies a very basic and incomplete representation.

a short account

Focuses on the narrative aspect, suggesting a brief retelling of events.

a basic summary

Highlights that the information is a fundamental and simplified account.

a sketchy outline

Suggests an incomplete or provisional plan.

FAQs

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

Use "a brief indication" to introduce a small piece of information, like: "The study offers "a brief indication" of potential side effects."

What can I say instead of "a brief indication"?

You can use alternatives like "a short notice", "a quick sign", or "a concise hint" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a brief indication" or "a short indication"?

Both "brief" and "short" are similar in meaning, but "brief" often implies a more concise and to-the-point piece of information. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a brief indication" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to signal that you're about to give a small amount of information or a hint without going into extensive detail.