a brief reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting or providing a short response to a question or statement. Example: "Please send me a brief reply regarding your availability for the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The senior Mr. Bush wrote him a brief reply, Mr. Wilson said.

The New York Times

Mr Bush responded the next day, in a brief reply sent from his ranch in Texas.

The Guardian

My initial complaint was rebuffed with a brief reply and nothing appears to have been done to help secure other bikes from what is now an easy target.

The Guardian - Money

Marc Favreau, Mr. Bellesiles's editor at the New Press, perhaps chastened after saying too much in the publicity materials, offered only a brief reply when asked about the promotional copy.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Ma's statement came last week in a brief reply to a list of detailed questions The Times sent to the Foreign Ministry inquiring about the fate of the Uighurs.

The New York Times

Yoko Ono, who in the book invents a logo called Seventh-Generation Eye that causes millions of people suddenly to shed their political apathy, sent Nader a brief reply.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

In this brief reply we have provided a detailed explanation regarding the points arisen in [1].

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

"There is not, and has never been, a requirement for Mr Collaery to file a brief in reply within 7 days of being served with the prosecution brief," the department said in a statement.

The Guardian

Bonaventure on the Temporal Beginning of the World," The New Scholasticism, 63, no. 2 (Spring, 1989), 206-228; MaTheologicallz, "Theologicandand Philosophical Dependencies in St. Bonaventure's Argument Against an Eternal World and a Brief Thomistic Reply," American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly 72.1 (Winter, 1998), 75-82.

SEP

As I composed a brief email reply in my mind that I intended to send to her the next day, I woke to discover a second email from her.

Huffington Post

Her excitement at finding a sign of her family's past was undercut by her great-great grandmother's brief reply when asked what she remembered of being a slave: "Not a thing".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you need to indicate that a reply was short and to the point, using "a brief reply" can effectively convey that message without unnecessary elaboration.

Common error

While generally acceptable, overuse of "a brief reply" in highly formal or academic writing may sound too informal. Opt for phrases like "a concise response" or "a succinct explanation" in those contexts to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief reply" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the nature of a response, indicating its conciseness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief reply" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a short and concise response. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, especially news, science, and general communication. While generally neutral in tone, it can be adjusted for more formal or professional settings by using alternatives like "a concise response". When using "a brief reply", ensure it accurately reflects the length and depth of the communication to avoid miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short answer

Focuses on the brevity of the response.

a concise response

Emphasizes the directness and lack of unnecessary detail in the answer.

a quick retort

Highlights the speed and immediacy of the reply, often implying wit.

a terse statement

Suggests a brief and somewhat abrupt or unfriendly response.

an abbreviated communication

Formally describes a shortened form of interaction.

a succinct explanation

Highlights clarity and conciseness in the response, focusing on providing understanding efficiently.

a minimalist answer

Emphasizes that the response is reduced to the bare essentials.

a summarized reaction

Implies condensing a larger sentiment into a few words.

a compact acknowledgment

Highlights the conciseness and acknowledgement.

a clipped response

Suggests a sharp, efficient, and often curt reply.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brief reply" to describe a short and concise answer, such as, "He sent "a brief reply" to my email, confirming his attendance."

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

You can use alternatives like "a short answer", "a concise response", or "a quick retort depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a brief reply" in professional emails?

Yes, "a brief reply" is generally appropriate for professional emails when you need to acknowledge something quickly. However, ensure your reply is still polite and professional.

What's the difference between "a brief reply" and "a detailed response"?

"A brief reply" indicates a short and concise answer, while "a detailed response" implies a thorough and comprehensive explanation. Choose the phrase that best describes the length and depth of the answer given.