be succinct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be succinct" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to express their thoughts clearly and briefly without unnecessary details. Example: "In your presentation, please be succinct to keep the audience engaged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be succinct.

The Washington Post

He taught me how to be succinct.

The Guardian - Books

He anticipates that the report will be succinct.

The Washington Post

People expect stories told there to be succinct and entertaining.

Harvard Business Review

Meaning must be unmistakable, and it must also be succinct.

The Guardian - Books

The character limitations mean they have to be succinct.

The Guardian

It needs to be succinct, concise, and to the point.

Yale University

Vice President Al Gore often resists calls to be succinct.

The New York Times

Could he be succinct he was asked – I seem to remember – in a candidates' debate.

Independent

Everybody might want to take 15 minutes, but you have to be succinct.

The New York Times

Like the vision, your direction should be succinct, simple, palpable, and clear.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions or explanations, "be succinct" by focusing on the essential information and cutting out any unnecessary details to ensure clarity and prevent audience disengagement.

Common error

A common mistake is to try and "be succinct" by using overly simplistic language that sacrifices important nuances. Ensure you balance brevity with clarity and accuracy; do not oversimplify to the point of ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be succinct" functions as an imperative, urging someone to communicate in a brief and clear manner. As Ludwig suggests, it's a direct command to avoid unnecessary details and get straight to the point, which is reflected in examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be succinct" is a grammatically correct and frequently used imperative that urges clear and brief communication. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. The phrase is best used to encourage efficient and direct messaging, avoiding unnecessary details. Related phrases, such as "be concise" and "keep it brief", offer similar nuances. When using "be succinct", it's important to balance brevity with clarity to avoid ambiguity. Major sources that employ "be succinct" include The Guardian, The New York Times, and Forbes, highlighting its relevance in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be concise

Emphasizes brevity and the removal of unnecessary details.

keep it brief

A more informal way to request conciseness.

get to the point

Focuses on directness and avoiding unnecessary preamble.

be to the point

Similar to "get to the point" but slightly more formal.

be brief

A simple and direct way to ask for brevity.

be direct

Highlights the importance of clear and straightforward communication.

keep it short

Similar to "keep it brief" with a focus on length.

summarize your points

Focuses on providing a summary rather than a detailed explanation.

cut to the chase

An informal expression emphasizing the avoidance of introductory remarks.

be economical with words

Focuses on using only the necessary words, avoiding redundancy.

FAQs

What does it mean to "be succinct"?

To "be succinct" means to express something clearly and briefly, using only the necessary words. It's about being concise and avoiding unnecessary details or repetition.

How can I "be succinct" in my writing?

To "be succinct" in writing, focus on the main points, eliminate unnecessary words and phrases, and avoid rambling. Structure your writing to deliver the most important information directly and efficiently. You can use alternatives like "be concise" or "keep it brief".

Is it always better to "be succinct"?

While being succinct is often valued for clarity and efficiency, it's not always the best approach. Sometimes, details and context are necessary for a full understanding. Strive for a balance between brevity and completeness, depending on the situation and audience.

What are some synonyms for "be succinct"?

Some synonyms for "be succinct" include "be brief", "be concise", "be to the point", and "get to the point". Choose the synonym that best fits the context and formality of your communication.