a brief minute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief minute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a short duration of time, often in informal contexts. Example: "Can you wait for just a brief minute while I finish this task?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Please think of a time -- even if only for a brief minute -- that you did exhibit will power.

Huffington Post

After watching any debate, there's a brief minute where you conclude about who 'won' the debate or who performed the best.

Huffington Post

A granular distorted synthesizer loop kicks off this stuttering, synesthetic electro cut, which rolls with its throttle wide open through a brief minute and 44 seconds.

Vice

With all the hype over the latest Daft Punk release, you might have forgotten for a brief minute how excited you are about Disclosure's long-awaited debut album.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But for a brief Moment, a poised minute,.

The New Yorker

It seems someone hit the "go" button a little early over at Pentax, as for a few brief minutes a new camera called the Q appeared, with pictures and specs.

TechCrunch

Criminal lawyer David Butt argues that "legal conclusions flow from microscopic dissection of very tiny slices of life: In this case, a few brief minutes of interaction between a police officer and a young man.

Huffington Post

Michael told the Sunday Mirror that he first tried coke during the stressful lead up to his trial: "For a few brief minutes, the first time was a relief from everything that was going on.

Vice

For a few brief minutes, it's extraordinary to be able to stare into a photograph of Kosminski and imagine what it might have been like if his was the last face you saw on Earth.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Ready to go," Bobby announced after we had jogged a few brief minutes between laps.

The New York Times - Arts

The train quits London through a concrete canyon, shrugging off one of the world's greatest cities in a few brief minutes, passing close to the 2012 Olympic Village along the way.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brief minute" to emphasize the brevity of an action or event, suggesting it will not take long. It's best suited for informal communication.

Common error

While "a brief minute" is acceptable, it can sound less professional in formal contexts. Opt for phrases like "a short moment" or "a brief period" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief minute" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating a short duration. It describes the minute as being of short length. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a brief minute" is a grammatically sound way to describe a very short amount of time. Ludwig highlights that it is most often used in informal contexts, particularly in News & Media. While correct, it's not the most formal choice. For professional settings, alternatives like "a short moment" or "a brief period" may be more suitable. The Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability but suggests considering the context for optimal word choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short while

Emphasizes the shortness of the duration more generally.

a quick moment

Highlights the speed and transience of the duration.

a fleeting instant

Focuses on the momentary and almost imperceptible nature of the time.

a split second

Indicates an extremely short and precise unit of time.

a passing moment

Stresses the transient and non-lingering quality of the time.

a mere second

Highlights the insignificance or shortness of the time frame.

a tiny bit

Informal; refers to a very small amount of time.

a short period

More formal; refers to a limited duration.

a small window

Metaphorical; suggests a limited opportunity in time.

a concise moment

Emphasizes both brevity and clarity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brief minute" to indicate a short amount of time, like in the sentence, "Could you wait "a brief minute" while I finish this task?"

What's a more formal way to say "a brief minute"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "a short moment" or "a brief period".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a brief minute"?

Yes, "a brief minute" is grammatically correct, although it is more common in informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the expression is usable.

What is the difference between "a brief minute" and "a short minute"?

While both phrases suggest a short time, ""a brief minute"" emphasizes conciseness and speed, whereas "a short minute" simply indicates a limited duration.