a brief question

USAGE SUMMARY

"a brief question" is an acceptable phrase and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask a short, direct question. For example: "Can I borrow your pen? It's just a brief question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

We want to get more involved with China," Osborne said during a brief question and answer session in Beijing on Sunday that was moderated by Chinese state media.

The Guardian - Business

Each chapter of the memoir begins with a brief question from Summitt's co-writer, Sally Jenkins, that allows Summitt to narrate the course of her disease and her feelings about it.

The New York Times - Books

The authorities did not use any physically coercive methods, an official said, adding that psychological tricks were employed, like questioning him for several hours and then leaving him for a while, returning to ask just a brief question, only to leave him alone again for a while.

The New York Times

The company says it may now ask users a brief question about the business they're visiting after their check-in, which they can then respond to directly in the app.

TechCrunch

1) Always respect the other party's time by asking first, "Do you have a moment for a brief question, or am I catching you at a bad time?" 2) You're doing a research project, so treat it like one: Tell the person you'd like to know more about that person's career choice and how he or she made the transition from academia.

Science Magazine

A major potential sticking point in the new phase of the investigation nevertheless surfaced during a brief question and answer session that touched on the experts' complaints about not being allowed to talk to military personnel from Iguala, who were monitoring the attacks on the students.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

A brief question-and-answer session follows the reading.

The New Yorker

After a brief question-and-answer session, guests surged back to the book-and-wine table, rummaging for last drops.

The New York Times

During a brief question-and-answer session, any bit of seriousness was used as a setup for a zinger.

The New York Times

In a brief question-and-answer session, Mr. Clinton also touched on politics and the Trayvon Martin shooting case in Florida.

The New York Times

He made sure to stand in front of it when he held a brief question-and-answer session with reporters after the event.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking "a brief question", ensure it's genuinely concise to respect the other person's time. Avoid embedding multiple queries within one seemingly short question.

Common error

Avoid making your "brief question" a disguised series of questions. Keep it singularly focused and genuinely short to maintain clarity and respect the respondent's time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief question" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an object or complement within a sentence. It introduces the idea of asking something short and concise, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples where it prefaces an actual question or describes a Q&A session.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief question" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves to indicate a short and direct inquiry. Ludwig confirms its usage across various contexts, from news and media to scientific research. To use it effectively, ensure your question is genuinely concise, and be mindful of the context to maintain an appropriate level of formality. Remember to avoid overloading the question with multiple inquiries to respect the respondent's time and ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A short question

Replaces 'brief' with 'short', emphasizing the concise nature of the question.

A quick question

Substitutes 'brief' with 'quick', highlighting the speed of asking the question.

A concise question

Uses 'concise' instead of 'brief', focusing on the succinctness of the question.

A short inquiry

Replaces 'question' with 'inquiry', providing a slightly more formal tone.

A rapid question

Similar to 'quick question', but with a slightly stronger emphasis on speed.

A fleeting question

Implies the question is asked and answered quickly, possibly without much thought.

A simple question

Suggests the question is easy to understand and answer, in addition to being brief.

A short and sweet question

Adds a friendly tone, suggesting the question will be both brief and pleasant.

A pointed question

Focuses on the directness and relevance of the question, rather than its length.

A light question

Suggests the question isn't too demanding, both in length and complexity.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a brief question" in an email?

Start by clearly stating your purpose and then asking your question concisely. For example, "I'm writing to request information about X. Could you answer "a short question" regarding your return policy?"

What's a more formal alternative to asking "a brief question"?

For a more formal setting, consider phrasing it as "May I pose "a concise question"?" or "I have "a short inquiry" regarding...".

How do I ensure my "brief question" is actually brief?

Before asking, review your question and eliminate any unnecessary words or phrases. Focus on the core of what you need to know, aiming for clarity and directness. If it's taking more than a sentence or two, it may not be "a quick question".

Is it appropriate to start a conversation with "a brief question"?

Yes, it can be an effective way to engage someone quickly, especially if you value their time. However, be sure the question is relevant and the person is in a position to answer it. Follow up appropriately based on their response.