a brief memorandum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief memorandum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a short written message or note, often used in a business or formal context. Example: "Please find attached a brief memorandum outlining the key points of our discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mr. Brewster sent a brief memorandum to Gruner & Jahr staff members yesterday, detailing temporary management plans.

The New York Times

In a brief memorandum, he added, "This policy is effective regardless of how closely military personnel supervise the civilian visitors".

The New York Times

Subject: Operation Queen of Diamonds As requested by the esteemed comrades, I respectfully submit a brief memorandum on the effectiveness of Operation Queen of Diamonds.

Independent

In a brief memorandum to the staff, David Schneiderman, the president of 7 Days Publishing Enterprises, announced yesterday that he was having discussions with several prospective buyers about acquiring the weekly about New York City.

The New York Times

A man who is living at a hotel and doing his best to find an apartment got back there one evening and found a brief memorandum from the switchboard: a lady had called about an apartment she had for him and had left the number.

The New Yorker

The recent intrigue spilled into public view after Judge Kevin Thomas Duffy of Federal District Court, who handled both Yousef terrorism trials in the 1990s, made a disclosure in a brief memorandum about a dispute over legal fees being paid to Mr. Yousef's lawyer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A briefing memorandum on the Fitzgerald matter had been prepared by White House staff in anticipation of a possible inquiry at the forthcoming press conference.

Cornell University

On June 14 , 1985 in a briefing memorandum for a presidential news conference, he noted that a proposed description of President Ronald Reagan's tax proposals "assumes that the auto worker's wife will be a homemaker, rather than a wage earner".

The New York Times

On a briefing memorandum for the Fowler call, a Democratic Party aide, wrote these words for Mr. Fowler to tell Mr. Umphrey as the reason for the phone call, "Sorry you missed the vice president," and then, "I know" you "will give $100K when the president vetoes tort reform, but we really need it now.

The New York Times

1 The court denied the application on the same day, in a brief unreported memorandum opinion.

Cornell University

The researchers showed their software at the conference, the Eurocrypt, by analyzing a presidential briefing memorandum released in April to the commission investigating the Sept. 11 attacks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brief memorandum" when you need to convey information succinctly and professionally. It is suitable for internal communications or formal updates within an organization.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief memorandum" in informal contexts. Phrases like "a short note" or "quick memo" are more appropriate for casual communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief memorandum" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a short, written communication, typically used for internal correspondence within organizations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

36%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief memorandum" is a noun phrase referring to a short written communication, most appropriately used in professional and academic settings. Ludwig AI confirms that this is grammatically correct and serves to efficiently convey information. While not overly common, this phrase appears in authoritative sources like The New York Times and academic papers. For more casual communications, alternatives like "a short memo" or "a quick note" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short memo

Replaces "memorandum" with the more common and shorter "memo".

a concise note

Substitutes both "brief" and "memorandum" for simpler terms emphasizing brevity.

a short written communication

Provides a more descriptive and slightly less formal alternative.

a concise summary

Highlights the summary aspect and emphasizes brevity.

a quick report

Suggests a slightly more formal and informative version of a memo.

a summary note

Emphasizes the summarization aspect of a brief memorandum.

an executive summary

Implies a higher-level overview, typically for decision-makers.

a condensed report

Similar to 'quick report' but puts more emphasis on the shortened length.

a short briefing

Focuses on the informational aspect delivered quickly.

a succinct communication

Replaces "brief memorandum" with more formal and descriptive words.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brief memorandum" to introduce a summary of key points, for example, "Please review "a brief memorandum" outlining the project's progress".

What's a less formal way to say "a brief memorandum"?

Alternatives include "a short memo", "a quick note", or "a summary". Choose the phrase that best suits the context and your audience.

When is it appropriate to use "a brief memorandum"?

Use "a brief memorandum" in professional or formal settings where concise written communication is needed. Avoid it in casual conversations or informal notes.

What's the difference between "a brief memorandum" and a full report?

"A brief memorandum" is a short summary, while a full report provides detailed information, analysis, and supporting data. The memorandum is intended for quick updates or reminders.