brief duration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief duration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period of time that is short or limited in length. Example: "The meeting will be of brief duration, lasting no more than 30 minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The plaintiffs' case was troubled throughout the trial's brief duration.

The Guardian - Tech

The ascendancy of the Talaings was of brief duration.

Cornell University

Cloudburst, a sudden, very heavy rainfall, usually local in nature and of brief duration.

Britannica

Generally produced by cloudbursts, sheetfloods are of brief duration, and they commonly move only short distances.

Britannica

Sharp pain of brief duration that occurred in occasional subjects was regarded as inadvertent noxious stimulation.

Harvard University

are of brief duration or episodic and are guided largely by impulse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He added that the policy "was in place only for the brief duration the threat existed".

The New York Times

Our initial method of tackling the problem was to disable external interrupts for a brief duration while emitting the pulse.

Cornell University

Over the piece's brief duration, the distance between the performers increases, resulting in a complex web of counterpoint and illusory overtones until the two parts finally realign.

The New York Times

Orion's mission took it about 3,600 miles (5,800km) above the Earth's surface, and could have huge implications, despite its brief duration.

The Guardian

Q. Doesn't the brief duration of many of these provisions make it hard for people to make long-term financial plans?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events or phenomena that occur rapidly or are not sustained for long, use "brief duration" to clearly convey the limited timeframe. For example, "The flash flood was of a brief duration, lasting only a few minutes."

Common error

Avoid using "brief duration" when you actually mean 'short term'. "Brief duration" focuses on the length of an event, while 'short term' often refers to goals, plans, or effects that are expected to last only a limited time into the future.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief duration" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "brief" modifies the noun "duration". As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes the temporal extent of something. Examples from Ludwig show its use across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Academia

14%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brief duration" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that lasts for a short time. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used across various contexts, especially in science, news and media, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "short period" or "limited time" exist, "brief duration" effectively conveys the transient nature of an event. Remember to use it when focusing on the length of an event, and not when you actually mean 'short term', and follow Ludwig's suggestion on when to use it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short period

Emphasizes the limited length of the time frame.

limited time

Highlights the restriction on the amount of time available.

fleeting moment

Suggests an even more transient and ephemeral quality.

short-lived

Focuses on the characteristic of not lasting long.

temporary span

Underscores the non-permanent nature of the duration.

passing phase

Implies that the duration is part of a transition or change.

quick interval

Highlights the speed and rapidity of the time frame.

transient period

Stresses the temporary and non-enduring nature.

ephemeral existence

Emphasizes the extremely brief and delicate nature of the duration.

concise timeframe

Highlights that time is well defined and not extended.

FAQs

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

Use "brief duration" to describe something that lasts for a short time. For example: "The policy was in place only for the "brief duration" the threat existed."

What are some alternatives to "brief duration"?

Alternatives include "short period", "limited time", or "fleeting moment". Choose the best fit based on the context.

Is it better to say "brief duration" or "short duration"?

Both "brief duration" and "short duration" are acceptable, but "brief duration" may imply an even shorter timeframe. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "brief duration" mean?

"Brief duration" refers to a short or limited period of time. It's used to emphasize the temporary nature of something.