a very brief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very brief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to describe something that is short in duration or length, often in relation to a summary or explanation. Example: "The presentation was a very brief overview of the project's main objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a very brief moment".

The New York Times

A very brief introduction.

Cornell University

It was a very brief conversation.

The New York Times

Bragg gives a very brief introduction ("Hello.

The New Yorker

Here's a very brief closing summary.

The Guardian - Business

The relationship hits a very brief glitch.

The New York Times

It was a very brief meeting".

The Guardian

One gets a very brief view of the pedestrians.

The New Yorker

"I think it was a very brief experience," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

A Very Brief Introduction to Open Access, December 29 , 2004

Harvard University

This is a very brief description of the image.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a very brief" when you want to highlight that the information provided is intentionally concise and not a comprehensive overview. It sets expectations for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a very brief" if the subject being described is still lengthy or complex. Ensure that it truly represents a concise summary or explanation; otherwise, choose another way to express its complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very brief" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, intensifying the adjective "brief". It's used to describe something as being extremely short in duration or length. Ludwig AI shows this across examples, like "a very brief introduction" or "a very brief conversation".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very brief" is a grammatically sound and commonly used way to describe something that is short in duration or length. Ludwig AI affirms its versatility across various contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. While it's important to ensure that the subject being described truly reflects brevity, using this phrase effectively sets reader expectations for concise information. Alternatives include phrases like "a concise summary" or "a short overview", depending on the specific context. Remember to clearly define what is being shortened and ensure the phrase accurately reflects the content's conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a concise summary

Focuses on the characteristic of being short and to the point, particularly in summaries.

a succinct description

Focuses on providing only the necessary information clearly and briefly.

a short overview

Emphasizes the brevity of the overview, highlighting its succinctness.

a short explanation

Emphasizes the limited length of the explanation.

a quick outline

Highlights the speed and conciseness of the outline.

a condensed report

Focuses on reducing the report to its most essential elements.

a compact version

Highlights that it's a condensed version of something longer.

a brief account

Stresses the succinct nature of the narrative or description.

an abridged edition

Stresses that the material has been shortened from its original form.

a truncated narrative

Emphasizes that the narrative has been shortened, often abruptly.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very brief" to describe something that is short or concise, such as "a very brief summary", "a very brief introduction", or "a very brief meeting".

What are some alternatives to "a very brief"?

Some alternatives to "a very brief" include "a concise summary", "a short overview", or "a quick outline", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a very brief", or are there times when it's better to be more detailed?

It's best to use "a very brief" when the context requires conciseness and a full explanation isn't necessary. If details are important, consider using phrases like "a detailed explanation" or "a comprehensive overview".

How does "a very brief" differ from "a short" or "a concise" description?

"A very brief" emphasizes the extreme shortness. "A short" description simply indicates it is not long, while "a concise" description focuses on being clear and to the point, potentially without being extremely short. Consider using those alternatives like "a short explanation" or "a succinct description".