a brief relief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief relief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short period of alleviation or comfort from a problem or discomfort. Example: "After a long day at work, taking a short walk in the park provided a brief relief from my stress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Humanitarian

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Priests and nuns also run a chain of shelters; providing food, lodging, and a brief relief from exhaustion, and the dangers they face.

Independent

He had made his major league debut nearly a month before Rivera had — in a brief relief stint April 29 against Kansas City — and had made four more appearances out of the bullpen before Manager Buck Showalter put him in the starting rotation.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Since May 17, when he stopped "trying to win 10 games in a couple weeks" with a superb — and, at four pitches, brief — relief outing against the Red Sox, Vazquez had gone 8-3 with a 3.35 earned run average entering Friday's start.

The New York Times - Sports

This time, he drove the Jets to the Saints' 29 yard line -- the rookie Lamont Jordan had a 27-yard run in brief relief of Martin -- before disaster struck again.

The New York Times - Sports

After another set-piece, Biggar knocked on and opposite number Rhys Patchell offered brief relief with a 45-metre clearance.

BBC

Pain in the finger; chills through arms and torso; a sudden spasm in the heart; puzzlement; brief relief; then new anxiety and isolation.

The New York Times - Arts

Greg remembers those as the very worst years, a period when he occasionally turned to prison dope and moonshine for brief relief and when he got written up a number of times for minor infractions.

The New York Times - Magazine

Last season Hunwick, who had made only two brief relief appearances in two and a half years at Michigan, stepped in for the injured No. 1 goalie, Bryan Hogan (groin-muscle strain), and helped the Wolverines reach the tournament's quarterfinals.

The New York Times

Some barnyard humor offers brief relief, as the prostitutes razz one another and seek omens from a clairvoyant donkey.

The New York Times

The sight of Victoria Azarenka collapsed in a heat-ravaged heap, then carried from the court in a wheelchair on her way to hospital, underlined the physical demands of this US Open, with only brief relief from the tail feathers of Hurricane Earl in sight tomorrow and 11 days to go in New York's hottest ever summer.

The Guardian - Sport

Lasting change over brief relief.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a brief relief", ensure the context clearly indicates what the relief is from. Providing this context enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of the "a brief relief". It is crucial to accurately represent its temporary and limited nature. Overstating it can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief relief" functions as a noun phrase, where 'brief' modifies the noun 'relief'. It describes a temporary or short-lived alleviation of something unpleasant. Ludwig AI confirms this with its examples showing the phrase used to describe temporary reprieves from negative situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Sports

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a brief relief" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a temporary alleviation of something negative. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, primarily in news and media, and scientific writing. While the phrase is relatively uncommon, it effectively conveys the idea of a short-lived respite. When using "a brief relief", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being relieved to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "a short respite" or "a momentary ease" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short respite

Replaces 'relief' with 'respite', emphasizing a temporary break from something unpleasant.

a momentary ease

Substitutes 'brief' with 'momentary' and 'relief' with 'ease', highlighting a short period of comfort.

a fleeting comfort

Replaces 'brief' with 'fleeting' and 'relief' with 'comfort', stressing the transient nature of the alleviation.

a temporary alleviation

Substitutes 'brief' with 'temporary' and 'relief' with 'alleviation', focusing on the short-term reduction of something negative.

a quick reprieve

Replaces 'brief' with 'quick' and 'relief' with 'reprieve', suggesting a short postponement of difficulty.

a passing solace

Uses 'passing' instead of 'brief' and 'solace' instead of 'relief', indicating a short-lived sense of comfort or consolation.

a short-lived respite

Combines 'short-lived' and 'respite' to emphasize the temporary nature of the break.

a momentary abatement

Substitutes 'brief' with 'momentary' and 'relief' with 'abatement', focusing on a short-term reduction in intensity.

a transient lull

Replaces 'brief' with 'transient' and 'relief' with 'lull', indicating a temporary period of calmness or inactivity.

a small window of comfort

Emphasizes the small and limited duration of the comfort provided.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brief relief" to describe a temporary alleviation from discomfort, stress, or difficulty. For example, "After a long day at work, taking a short walk provided "a brief relief" from my stress".

What are some alternatives to "a brief relief"?

Some alternatives to "a brief relief" include "a short respite", "a momentary ease", or "a fleeting comfort". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a brief temporary relief"?

Yes, saying "a brief temporary relief" is somewhat redundant because "brief" and "temporary" have similar meanings. It's better to choose one or the other to avoid unnecessary repetition.

Can "a brief relief" apply to emotional states?

Yes, "a brief relief" can certainly apply to emotional states. For example, "Hearing the good news provided "a brief relief" from my anxiety".