brief answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting or providing a concise response to a question or topic. Example: "Please provide a brief answer to the question so we can move on to the next topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Eric's brief answer, "Yes".

The New York Times

The brief answer to all of these questions is: so far, hard to say.

The New Yorker

The brief answer, from embassies and security experts and even some people in the tourism industry, is: not right now.

The New York Times

The brief answer is that it has taken Canadians a generation to realise that they were living beyond their means.

The Economist

With the Nets, he was a brief answer to the prayers of a franchise seeking an identity.

The New York Times - Sports

Interrupt him and he'll talk over you or give a brief answer and pick up where he left off.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Last spring, students could download PDFs with brief answers.

The New York Times

In her high school, brief answers were the norm.

The New York Times

He offered brief answers and fiddled with a bat.

The New York Times - Sports

At the company's Web site, users post questions and doctors post brief answers.

The New York Times

Alternatively speaking Korean and writing questions in Korean, the translator obtained brief answers to several questions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brief answer" when you want to provide essential information quickly without getting into a detailed explanation. This helps maintain focus and efficiency in communication.

Common error

Avoid providing a "brief answer" that lacks crucial information or context. A response that is too short can be unhelpful or even misleading if it doesn't adequately address the question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief answer" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as an object or subject complement in a sentence. It refers to a short and concise response to a question or inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brief answer" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a short and concise response. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable. It functions primarily as a noun phrase and is suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science as it represents a quick way to convey information. When using "brief answer", ensure that while keeping the response concise, it remains informative and avoids omitting crucial details. Alternatives such as "short response" or "concise reply" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short response

Replaces "answer" with "response", emphasizing the act of replying.

concise reply

Substitutes both "brief" and "answer" to highlight the terseness of the response.

terse response

Emphasizes the conciseness to the point of being possibly abrupt.

quick reply

Focuses on the speed and brevity of the answer.

succinct explanation

Changes "answer" to "explanation", implying a short clarification.

abbreviated response

Indicates that the answer has been shortened or condensed.

short explanation

Similar to succinct explanation, but less formal.

summary response

Suggests the answer is a condensed overview.

expeditious answer

Stresses the promptness with which the answer is provided.

minimal response

Highlights the extremely reduced length and lack of details in the answer.

FAQs

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

You can use "brief answer" to describe a short and concise response to a question. For example: "He gave a "brief answer" and moved on."

What's a good alternative to "brief answer"?

Alternatives include "short response", "concise reply", or "quick reply" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to give a "brief answer"?

It's appropriate when time is limited, when the question requires a simple response, or when the listener only needs essential information. However, ensure your "brief answer" is still clear and informative.

What should I avoid when giving a "brief answer"?

Avoid omitting critical details. While brevity is important, ensure the answer is not too short to be understood or useful. Always balance conciseness with clarity.