brief but substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief but substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is concise yet meaningful or significant in content. Example: "The report was brief but substantial, providing key insights without unnecessary details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

(Tommasini) Music by Luigi Nono (Sunday through Tuesday) The Electronic Music Foundation mounts a brief but substantial series devoted to this groundbreaking Italian composer, electronic-music pioneer and advocate for social justice.

The New York Times - Arts

So the line enjoyed a brief but substantial volume of outgoing freight traffic from the Rogers White Lime Company located at Limedale.

Wikipedia

Pathetic anecdotes aside, at the dawn of what might be a new era of the Arctic Monkeys, I've decided to trace a brief but substantial historiography of the band that corresponds with a fundamental element of their artistic and spiritual growth: Alex Turner's hair, and all of the various phases that are derived from it.

Vice

Keep it brief, but substantial and valuable.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Its total cost rose from €77m, an implausibly low figure given by the city authorities when the hall was first mooted, to a final bill (with substantial additions to the brief, but even so) of €860m.

The Guardian - Arts

The administration lawyers suggest in their brief that "substantial support" of terrorists could be defined by some unspecified analogy to the laws of detention in traditional armed conflict.

The New York Times

But substantial worries persist.

The New York Times

But substantial revenues can also come indirectly.

The New York Times

It should be runny, but substantial.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But substantial liability is not unlimited liability.

Forbes

His reign was brief but eventful.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "brief but substantial", ensure that the brevity does not compromise the depth or significance of the content. The key is to provide essential information succinctly while maintaining its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "brief but substantial" as an excuse to omit crucial details. Ensure that the 'substantial' aspect is not sacrificed for the sake of brevity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief but substantial" typically functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun. It serves to describe something that is concise in its presentation yet carries significant weight or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brief but substantial" describes something that is concise yet impactful. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It's frequently used in News & Media, Wiki and Science contexts. When using the phrase, ensure brevity doesn't sacrifice essential details. Alternatives include "concise yet significant" and "short but meaningful". Remember to prioritize impactful content even when aiming for brevity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concise yet significant

Replaces "brief" with "concise" and "substantial" with "significant", highlighting brevity and importance.

short but meaningful

Uses simpler terms like "short" and "meaningful" to convey the same idea of brevity and value.

compact yet impactful

Emphasizes the condensed nature and the powerful effect of something.

terse but considerable

Highlights succinctness and the noteworthiness of the subject.

succinct yet significant

Focuses on the clear and concise nature while retaining significance.

abridged but thorough

Implies something has been shortened but remains complete and detailed.

summary but comprehensive

Suggests a condensed overview that still covers all essential aspects.

pithy but profound

Emphasizes the concise and deeply meaningful nature of something.

fleeting yet weighty

Highlights the temporary nature alongside its importance.

compact but valuable

Underlines the condensed form and its usefulness or worth.

FAQs

How can I use "brief but substantial" in a sentence?

You can use "brief but substantial" to describe something that is concise yet meaningful. For instance, "The presentation was "brief but substantial", providing key insights in a short amount of time."

What are some alternatives to "brief but substantial"?

Alternatives include "concise yet significant", "short but meaningful", or "compact yet impactful".

Is it better to be "brief but substantial" or detailed and comprehensive?

It depends on the context. "Brief but substantial" is effective when you need to convey essential information quickly. Detailed and comprehensive is better when thoroughness is required, and time is not a constraint.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "brief but substantial"?

It's appropriate when describing something that manages to pack a significant amount of value or information into a small package, whether it's a report, a conversation, or a piece of writing.