a brief reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief reference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to mention something in a concise manner without going into detail. Example: "In the report, there is a brief reference to the previous study conducted on the same topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Except for a brief reference in an introductory video, Mr. Caparulo will not refer to Edge, and no products will appear in his videos.

The New York Times

The prince, again subtly encouraged by Marr, made a brief reference to his mother, Princess Diana.

The Guardian

(There is a brief reference to breaking up on a hike).

The Guardian

A brief reference to another writer or collaborator may appear deep on the acknowledgments page.

The New York Times

Aside from a brief reference to "my poor judgment," the governor's resignation speech was peculiarly self-serving.

The New York Times

He made a brief reference to his late son Ivan when he spoke of his luck in having four children.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Mr. Jobs, Apple's chief executive, took the stage at the annual MacWorld Exhibition here and made only a single, brief reference to the company's recent financial troubles, which have led to marked declines in revenue and profit.

The New York Times

The Chancellor may have only made a very brief reference to the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon but supporters of the £1bn project will claim it is significant that he chose his Budget to do so.

BBC

We excluded publications that focused on diabetes among children or adults where there was only a very brief reference to DIP.

Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews

The philosophical content of the Vita nuova is minimal, a skeletal version of contemporary faculty psychology and a few brief references to metaphysics.

SEP

Pliny the Elder's Natural History has a few brief references to Caligula.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brief reference" to introduce topics that will be explored more fully later in the text.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief reference" if the mentioned item is crucial to understanding the core argument. In such cases, provide more detailed explanation or link to additional resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief reference" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase indicates that something is being mentioned in a concise or short manner. It is used to introduce a topic without going into extensive detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief reference" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a short or concise mention of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's useful for acknowledging related topics without providing extensive detail. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts and is considered to have a neutral register. When using "a brief reference", ensure to provide sufficient context, so your audience can grasp the significance of the mentioned item without needing too much clarification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short mention

Focuses on the brevity of the mention.

a quick note

Emphasizes the speed and lack of detail.

a passing remark

Highlights the casual and fleeting nature of the reference.

a fleeting allusion

Suggests a subtle and indirect mention.

a concise statement

Emphasizes the brevity and clarity of the reference.

a superficial observation

Highlights the lack of depth in the reference.

a casual aside

Indicates that the reference is tangential and not central to the main topic.

a cursory examination

Focuses on the quick and shallow nature of the assessment.

a summary overview

Highlights that the reference is a condensed version of more info.

a thumbnail sketch

Emphasizes the small and incomplete nature of the reference.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "a brief reference" into my writing?

Use "a brief reference" when you want to acknowledge something without delving into extensive detail. It's useful for mentioning background information or related topics that don't require in-depth explanation.

What are some alternatives to "a brief reference"?

You can use alternatives like "a short mention", "a quick note", or "a passing remark" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a brief reference" versus a detailed explanation?

Use "a brief reference" when the topic is not central to your main point and requires only a superficial acknowledgment. Opt for a detailed explanation when the topic is crucial and requires a thorough understanding.

Is it okay to use "a brief reference" multiple times in the same text?

While it's acceptable to use "a brief reference" more than once, ensure that each instance is necessary and doesn't leave the reader confused. If you find yourself using it excessively, consider providing more comprehensive explanations or using alternative phrasing to avoid repetition.