a brief list

USAGE SUMMARY

"a brief list" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a compilation of items that is concise and succinct. For example, "I would like to provide you with a brief list of the names of the people attending the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A brief list makes the point clearly.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Instead, there's a brief list, and a firm hand.

The New Yorker

A brief list: Facebook made changes to its gaming platform that hampered Zynga regulars.

The New York Times

Later in the day, his aide, Mr. Del Cecato, provided a brief list of revenue sources.

The New York Times

Then, as a class, generate a brief list of words generally associated with conflict (discord, dissension, divisiveness, disagreement, argument, etc).

The New York Times

Thus, I will "roll" with the "punches" and provide a brief list of sports I invented this past Thanksgiving week.

The New Yorker

Here is a brief list of looming musical events or releases, along with a description of how these things make me feel.

The New Yorker

There is a brief list of more substantial items, like braised pork cheeks and paella, and txakoli to drink: 557 Hudson Street (11th Street), [phone].

The New York Times - Food

So, a brief list of well-known economists who have been pro-inflation under circumstances like those we face today: Greg Mankiw and Ken Rogoff.

The New York Times

Max has a brief list of wines under $25 and, oddly given the food prices, a broader selection for $25 to $40.

The New York Times - Food

Gardner has compiled an anthology of offenses committed in what has come to be known as Eurenglish — an interoffice dialect that, as he writes in "A Brief List of Misused English Terms in E.U.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a brief list", clearly state the criteria for inclusion to maintain focus and relevance.

Common error

Ensure that your "brief list" provides sufficient information to be useful. A list that is too short may lack necessary context or detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief list" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to introduce or refer to a concise enumeration of items. It acts as a subject complement or an object within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

31%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a brief list" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to introduce a concise collection of items. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While the phrase itself maintains a neutral register, ensuring sufficient information and relevance is key. Alternatives such as ""a concise list"" or ""a short list"" offer subtle variations in meaning, allowing for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a concise list

Replaces "brief" with "concise", emphasizing succinctness.

a short list

Substitutes "brief" with "short", indicating brevity in length.

a summary list

Replaces "brief" with "summary", highlighting that the list is a condensed overview.

a quick list

Uses "quick" instead of "brief", suggesting the list is easily and rapidly reviewed.

a compact list

Replaces "brief" with "compact", emphasizing the list's small size or condensed nature.

a succinct list

Uses "succinct" instead of "brief", stressing the list's terseness and lack of unnecessary detail.

an outline list

Substitutes "brief" with "outline", suggesting the list provides the main points.

a condensed list

Replaces "brief" with "condensed", meaning the list has been shortened and reduced.

a truncated list

Uses "truncated" instead of "brief", implying the list has been cut short.

a limited list

Replaces "brief" with "limited", meaning the list is restricted in scope or number.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brief list" to introduce a concise enumeration of items. For example, "Here is "a brief list" of the key features."

What are some alternatives to "a brief list"?

Some alternatives include "a concise list", "a short list", or "a summary list", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a brief list" or "a detailed list"?

The choice depends on the level of detail required. Use "a brief list" when a concise overview is sufficient; opt for "a detailed list" when comprehensive information is needed.

When should I avoid using "a brief list"?

Avoid using "a brief list" if the subject matter requires a thorough and exhaustive explanation. In such cases, a more comprehensive presentation is more appropriate.