be short

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be short" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to keep their response or statement brief. Example: "In your presentation, please be short and to the point to maintain the audience's attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

The honeymoon may be short.

The Economist

Hopefully, it will be short.

The New York Times

Memories can be short.

The Guardian

Unlikely to be short.

The Guardian - Film

It'll probably be short.

The Guardian - Film

It won't be short.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

It could be short-lived.

Independent

That may be short-sighted.

The Economist

"We can't be short-sighted.

The New York Times

The foreign adventure will be short-lived.

The New York Times

Any satisfaction, however, will be short-lived.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "be short", provide context on what aspects should be concise. For example, "Be short in your email subject lines to increase open rates."

Common error

Avoid being so "short" that your message becomes impolite or lacks essential information. Ensure clarity and respect, even when being concise.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be short" is to serve as an imperative, urging someone to be brief or concise. Ludwig AI indicates, based on examples, that it is frequently used in instructions or directives to ensure brevity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

32%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be short" is a commonly used imperative phrase that instructs someone to be brief and concise. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news articles, instructions, and general communications. The phrase is grammatically correct and applicable across various registers, though care should be taken to balance brevity with clarity and politeness. Related phrases include "be concise" and "keep it brief". When using this phrase, ensure that the context is clear to avoid misinterpretation or unintended curtness. While effective for promoting efficiency, it's crucial to maintain a balance between brevity and providing adequate information. With 31 examples from Ludwig, it’s clear that "be short" is a versatile and practical phrase for everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be brief

A direct synonym, simply advising to keep something short in duration or length.

keep it brief

Focuses on the act of keeping something concise, shifting the emphasis slightly from the state of being short to the action of shortening.

be concise

Highlights the quality of being clear and succinct, emphasizing the effectiveness of communication.

be succinct

Emphasizes expressing something in few words, suggesting a more polished and refined brevity.

get to the point

Focuses on directness and avoiding unnecessary details.

be to the point

Highlights the quality of being direct and relevant, and avoiding digressions or unnecessary information.

keep it terse

Implies a more abrupt and potentially less friendly form of brevity.

be pithy

Suggests being brief but also full of meaning or substance.

cut to the chase

An idiomatic expression urging someone to skip preliminaries and get straight to the important information.

summarize quickly

Specifically requests a rapid summarization, focusing on speed.

FAQs

How can I use "be short" in a sentence?

You can use "be short" to instruct someone to keep their communication brief and to the point. For example, "When answering the question, "be short" and clear."

What are some alternatives to "be short"?

Alternatives include "be concise", "be brief", "be succinct", or "get to the point", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

What's the difference between "be short" and "be concise"?

"Be short" generally refers to brevity in length or duration, while "be concise" emphasizes expressing much in few words, focusing on clarity and effectiveness.

Is it always good to "be short" in communication?

While brevity is often appreciated, it's important to balance conciseness with clarity and completeness. Ensure that your message, even when "be short", conveys all necessary information and maintains a polite tone.