a short memo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a short memo" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a brief written message or note, often used in a business or professional context. Example: "Please send me a short memo summarizing the key points from the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Mr. Handler sent a short memo to his employees explaining his reason for the sale.

The New York Times

Other times the design challenge is written up in a short memo the outlines the constraints.

Stanford University

She was shown a short memo from the Department of Justice defending its legality, but wasn't allowed to keep a copy.

The New Yorker

We ask that you send us a short memo with a description of the project and what you would like from the evaluation (see guidelines below).

Harvard University

If you would like to reach out to researchers to conduct a project evaluation with your organization, please send a short memo describing your project and evaluation interest to the Weiss Fund ([email protected]).edu

Harvard University

Mr. Zelnick issued a short memo to employees on March 27 saying that the company's objective was "to create the most efficient and effective business organization emphasizing the creative integrity of the individual genres of music".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

In a very short memo, it might not be necessary to include a separate summary segment.

WikiHow

After seeing Karzai, she went to her Islamabad home and summoned Farhatullah Babar, a close aide, and asked him to prepare a short briefing memo for the Americans about Pakistan's large and influential intelligence agencies.

The New Yorker

Interviews were digitally recorded and the interviewer wrote up a short interview memo after each interview.

BMC Palliative Care

Three short memos, a midterm, and a final, and that's that.

Yale University

This was done through repeated reading of the report and writing of short memos (i.e., a few words about prominent aspects).

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing "a short memo", focus on conveying essential information clearly and concisely. Avoid unnecessary details to maintain brevity and ensure readability.

Common error

Avoid turning "a short memo" into a lengthy document by including too much background information or tangential details. Stick to the core message and key points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a short memo" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase often refers to a communication act.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a short memo" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase in written English, primarily functioning to describe a concise written communication. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, though more frequently in News & Media and Academic spheres. Related phrases include "brief memorandum" and "concise memo", which offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality. When using "a short memo", focus on clarity and conciseness, avoiding unnecessary details to maintain its intended brevity. Overly detailed memos are a common pitfall, turning what should be a quick update into a lengthy document.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief memorandum

Replaces "short" with "brief" and uses the more formal "memorandum" instead of "memo".

concise memo

Substitutes "short" with "concise", emphasizing brevity and clarity.

quick note

Offers a more informal alternative, replacing "memo" with "note" and "short" with "quick".

briefing note

Implies the memo is intended to provide a summary of information.

summary memo

Highlights that the memo is a condensed version of a larger report or topic.

short report

Slightly more formal, suggesting a structured document with summarized information.

abridged memo

Emphasizes the shortened or reduced nature of the memo.

terse memo

Suggests the memo is not only short but also uses few words, possibly to the point of being abrupt.

pithy memo

Implies the memo is brief and full of meaning or substance.

compact memo

Highlights that the memo is small and efficient in its use of space or words.

FAQs

What is the purpose of writing "a short memo"?

The purpose of writing "a short memo" is to communicate essential information quickly and efficiently. It's ideal for conveying updates, instructions, or summaries without overwhelming the recipient with details.

How do I ensure my "a short memo" is effective?

To ensure your "a short memo" is effective, focus on clarity and conciseness. Use clear language, prioritize key information, and avoid jargon or unnecessary details. Proofread for any errors before sending.

What can I say instead of "a short memo"?

You can use alternatives like "brief memorandum", "concise memo", or "quick note" depending on the context and formality level.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing "a short memo"?

Common mistakes include including too much information, using unclear language, and failing to proofread. Keep the memo focused, use simple language, and always review it for errors before sending.