a brief problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a problem that is not complex or lengthy in nature. Example: "We encountered a brief problem with the software update, but it was resolved quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A brief problem.

The New York Times

After a brief problem with the first room -- a gas smell whose source could not readily be identified -- I was taken to a double on the ground floor.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Delivering comprehensive asthma care to under-served populations is a challenging task in the setting of a brief, problem-focused primary care office visit.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

The results suggest that brief problem solving in a booklet/workshop format may be an effective, feasible and acceptable short-term treatment for people with CMD's in deprived communities.

BMC Psychiatry

In a recent Indian study individually delivered brief problem solving was not more effective than placebo for people with common mental disorders [ 47].

BMC Psychiatry

I don't judge, having had a brief cocaine problem once myself.

The Guardian

The report, published in the current issue of the journal Sleep, found that chronic insomniacs woke an average of about 30 times a night, and that a brief respiratory problem — a drop in the volume of oxygen inhaled, due to a narrowed airway, for instance — preceded about 90 percent of those interruptions.

The New York Times

The present study was specifically designed to report on the reliability and factor structure of a brief behavior problem inventory, which is part of a diagnostic battery for children suspected of evincing autism, PDD-NOS, or Asperger's syndrome.

Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders

When the patient has not recovered from the guided self-help programme, a nurse from the department of Psychiatry offers a brief intervention: Problem Solving Treatment (PST).

BMC Cancer

Initial BAC-C/A psychometric properties compare favourably with that of existing screening instruments, including the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Brief Problem Monitor (CBCL short form).

Children and Youth Services Review

Brief problem solving therapy (PST) might fill the treatment gap for CMD's in deprived communities in South Africa.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brief problem" when you want to downplay the severity or duration of an issue. It suggests the problem is not complex and will be resolved quickly.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief problem" when the issue is actually significant or long-lasting, as it can mislead the audience and undermine the seriousness of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "brief" modifies the noun "problem". It identifies a specific type of issue, emphasizing its short duration or limited impact, as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief problem" is a noun phrase used to describe an issue of short duration or limited impact. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase. Its function is to acknowledge an issue while minimizing its severity, suitable for neutral registers. While primarily found in news and science-related contexts, consider using alternatives like "a minor issue" or "a slight difficulty" for greater precision or formality. Ensure its use aligns with the actual significance of the issue to avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor issue

Replaces "problem" with a less severe term, emphasizing the insignificance of the issue.

a slight difficulty

Substitutes "problem" with "difficulty" and "brief" with "slight", softening the impact.

a small hiccup

Uses a more informal term, "hiccup", to describe a temporary and minor disruption.

a momentary setback

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the problem as a "setback".

a passing snag

Describes the problem as a "snag" that is quickly resolved or overcome.

a short delay

Focuses on the time aspect, indicating a temporary interruption.

a temporary glitch

Uses the word "glitch" to suggest a technical or unexpected minor malfunction.

a fleeting issue

Highlights how short the problem is with the word "fleeting".

a quick complication

Replaces "problem" with "complication" indicating a slight deviation from the plan.

a transient trouble

Uses more formal terms to convey the temporary and insignificant nature of the problem.

FAQs

What does "a brief problem" mean?

The phrase "a brief problem" refers to an issue or difficulty that is short in duration and not overly complex or serious. It suggests a minor inconvenience rather than a major crisis.

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

You can use alternatives like "a minor issue", "a slight difficulty", or "a small hiccup" depending on the context.

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

Use "a brief problem" when you want to downplay the severity of an issue and assure your audience that it is easily manageable. Avoid using it if the problem has significant consequences.

Is "a brief problem" formal or informal?

The phrase "a brief problem" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, consider alternatives like "a minor issue" or "a slight difficulty".