a brief outing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief outing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a short trip or excursion, often for leisure or relaxation. Example: "After a long week of work, we decided to take a brief outing to the nearby lake for some fresh air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Hawkins, who struggled in a brief outing Monday, was seeking his first save in three years.

The New York Times - Sports

There isn't anywhere near enough of Womack's guitar-playing, either, except a brief outing on the gospel snippet, Deep River.

The Guardian - Music

Or is it because I'm so fuckin' 'andsome?" It was a brief outing for the lairy, childishly impudent Lydon of 'Johnny Rotten' and reality show loose cannon fame.

Independent

The story was told in the mix of leather and denim that struck a hard note after a brief outing of snug suits.

The New York Times

During a brief outing Monday to deliver pizzas to a campaign field office in Henderson, Mr. Obama sounded like a man who had just been released from house arrest.

The New York Times

Along with DH Lawrence's The Widowing of Mrs Holroyd and George Bernard Shaw's first – and I often think best – play, Widowers' Houses, there's hot young writer Alistair McDowall's Pomona, which got a brief outing at the Gate in a student production earlier this year, and a play, Little Light, by Alice Birch, who won this year's Arts Foundation award for playwriting and whose Revolt.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

For those who relish a briefer outing, the Musée Fournaise (musee-fournaise.com), housed in a guinguette on the Île de Chatou, has an exhibition through Oct. 31 on the invention of the paint tube — appropriate, since the island is also known as the Île des Impressionnistes.

The New York Times - Travel

PHILLIES 4, NATIONALS 0 Back at his best after an unusually brief outing, Cliff Lee struck out 12 and allowed three hits as visiting Philadelphia shut out Washington.

The New York Times - Sports

Guidry didn't finish the second inning, a rare brief outing for someone who pitched 16 complete games that season.

The New York Times - Sports

A cluster of protracted migratory polyarthritis involving four adult family members occurred in January 2000 after a brief overnight outing in a rural area of Venezuela.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

The brief outing had undermined him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a brief outing", ensure the context clearly indicates the activity or event being described is indeed short in duration. For instance, specify the time spent or the limited scope of the undertaking to reinforce the brevity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because an outing is described as "brief" it is also insignificant. The brevity refers only to time, not necessarily to impact or importance. Use additional descriptors to accurately reflect the outing's value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief outing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig provides examples where it describes a short trip or excursion, emphasizing the limited time spent.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a brief outing" is a grammatically correct and acceptable way to describe a short trip or excursion. Ludwig AI confirms this with its analysis. While not extremely common, it is widely understood and used across various contexts, especially in News & Media. When using "a brief outing", ensure the brevity of the activity is clear and that it is not mistaken for unimportance. Alternatives include "a short trip" or "a quick excursion". The phrase is suitable for neutral registers, making it versatile for many writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short excursion

Replaces 'brief' with 'short' and 'outing' with 'excursion', emphasizing the temporary and recreational nature of the trip.

a quick trip

Uses simpler terms to convey the idea of a fast and concise journey.

a fleeting visit

Emphasizes the short duration of the visit, highlighting its transient nature.

a short spell

Shifts the context to a brief period of time spent doing something.

a brief appearance

Focuses on a short and noticeable presence, often in a performance or event.

a rapid foray

Suggests a quick and adventurous venture into a particular area or activity.

a concise expedition

Highlights the efficiency and brevity of the journey or exploration.

a limited engagement

Implies a short-term commitment or involvement in an activity.

a whistle-stop tour

Conveys the idea of a very quick tour with only brief stops at various locations.

a flying visit

This is another way to say that visit will happen very quickly.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brief outing" to describe a short trip or excursion. For example, "After work, we enjoyed "a brief outing" to the park".

What are some alternatives to "a brief outing"?

Alternatives include "a short trip", "a quick excursion", or "a fleeting visit", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a brief outing"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. However, be sure the context clearly indicates the short duration of the event.

What does "a brief outing" imply about the activity?

It implies that the activity or trip is short in duration, suggesting a quick and often casual event. It does not necessarily reflect its importance or impact.