brief amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small quantity or duration of something. Example: "I only need a brief amount of time to finish this task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

In just a brief amount of time, an intervention with a dog can interrupt the repetitive, non-interactive behaviors that these children demonstrate.

The New York Times

"Usually I get sucked into an overwhelming feeling, or am inspired for a brief amount of time and I write while I'm deep inside of my own head.

The Guardian

But Ms. Ellis questioned just how tangible those results could really be given the brief amount of time people are being asked to give.

The New York Times

The flash crash spooked a lot of people for a brief amount of time, but it didn't do much in the way of real economic damage.

The Economist

It fooled plenty of people for a brief amount of time, right up until the moment that everyone collectively realised that this exact thing happened in the 1966 Batman movie and that this was probably a great big fake.

The Guardian - Arts

No, for me it was a matter of finding jobs, keeping them for a brief amount of time, losing them (or, rather, having them lose me) and starting the cycle anew.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

But both spent only brief amounts of time attacking Mr. Romney, their biggest long-term problem.

The New York Times

To allow for positive feedback regarding the personal goals, all goals had to be achievable in brief amounts of time.

BMJ Open

Instead of seeing Type 1 patients four times a year, we're seeing them one time, very brief amounts of time and that's inappropriate.

BMC Health Services Research

They have only a brief (and getting briefer) amount of time to be one and not the other.

The New York Times

In brief, demanded amount of the vinylated silica was dispersed in toluene solution of monomer by ultrasonic treatment (ultrasonic bath with frequency 44 kHz).

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing time or resources, consider if "brief", "short", or "small" best captures the intended limitation. "Brief amount of time" is suitable, but "small amount of money" might sound better than "brief amount of money".

Common error

Avoid using "amount of" when a more direct noun works better. For example, instead of "a brief amount of discussion", try "a brief discussion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief amount of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a small or short quantity/duration. It suggests that something is limited in its extent, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "brief amount of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a limited quantity or duration. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is acceptable in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific and wiki sources. While versatile, alternatives like "short period of" or "small quantity of" may be more suitable depending on the specific context. Avoid overusing "amount of" when a more direct noun can be employed. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short period of

Focuses on the duration being limited, similar to "brief amount of" but uses different wording.

small quantity of

Emphasizes the limited quantity rather than the duration, providing a slight shift in focus.

limited duration of

Highlights the restriction on time, offering a more formal alternative.

short burst of

Suggests a sudden and quick occurrence of something, implying brevity.

fleeting moment of

Emphasizes the transient nature of the moment, adding a sense of impermanence.

modicum of

Indicates a small or moderate amount, suitable for formal contexts.

mere instance of

Highlights that it's nothing more than a single specific occurence.

quick spell of

Implies a short and often intermittent period of time or activity.

reduced volume of

Highlights reduced quantity of something.

small measure of

Emphasizes the modest size or extent of something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "brief amount of" in a sentence?

You can replace "brief amount of" with alternatives like "short period of", "small quantity of", or "limited duration of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "brief amount of time"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "brief amount of time". Ludwig AI confirms it is commonly used in written English to refer to a short duration.

What's a more formal alternative to "brief amount of"?

A more formal alternative could be "limited duration of" or "modicum of", which suggests a small or moderate quantity in a more refined way.

When should I use "brief amount of" versus other similar phrases?

"Brief amount of" is suitable when emphasizing the brevity or shortness of something, whether it's time, resources, or attention. Consider phrases like "short burst of" or "fleeting moment of" when the aim is to highlight quick occurences.