brief encounter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief encounter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short or fleeting meeting or interaction between people. Example: "Their brief encounter at the coffee shop left a lasting impression on both of them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Brief Encounter.

The Guardian - Film

A brief encounter.

Independent

In their brief encounter, she had guessed.

The New Yorker

Even a brief encounter wasn't brief enough.

The New York Times

Brief encounter: Can I widen driveway "crossover"?

The Times

Brief encounter... Lupita Nyong'o as Maz Kanata.

The Guardian - Film

Brief encounter: can I forfeit a lease?

The Times

Brief Encounter: Can I sell my garage?

The Times

Brief Encounter: can I sublet my flat?

The Times

Brief encounter: What happened to Hips?

The Times

I hope I like Brief Encounter.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brief encounter" to describe a meeting or interaction that is short in duration and often unexpected. It can add a touch of romance or intrigue to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "brief encounter" when the interaction, though short, has a profound impact or lasting consequences. In such cases, it might be more accurate to describe the specific effect of the meeting, rather than simply labeling it as "brief".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief encounter" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI examples show its usage in describing specific instances of short interactions between individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brief encounter" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a short or fleeting interaction, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently used in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, indicating its broad applicability. While maintaining a neutral register, the phrase often carries a slightly informal tone and can evoke themes of chance meetings and fleeting connections. When using "brief encounter", be mindful of the depth of the interaction; it's best suited for situations where the brevity is a key characteristic, rather than when the interaction has profound or lasting consequences. Alternatives such as "short meeting" or "fleeting interaction" may be more appropriate in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short meeting

Emphasizes the brevity of the meeting, focusing on its duration.

fleeting interaction

Highlights the transient nature of the exchange or contact.

quick rendezvous

Implies a planned but short meeting, often with romantic connotations.

chance meeting

Focuses on the unplanned and coincidental aspect of the meeting.

passing interaction

Highlights the casual and often insignificant nature of the contact.

short-lived meeting

Emphasizes that the meeting did not last long or develop further.

cursory exchange

Suggests a superficial and brief interaction, lacking depth.

swift get-together

Indicates a meeting that is both fast and informal.

momentary contact

Focuses on the briefness and almost intangible nature of the interaction.

casual brush

Implies a light and unimportant meeting, possibly accidental.

FAQs

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

You can use "brief encounter" to describe a short or fleeting meeting between people. For example, "Their "brief encounter" at the conference sparked a collaboration that lasted for years."

What's a more formal way to say "brief encounter"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "short meeting" or "fleeting interaction" to convey a similar meaning without the romantic or dramatic connotations often associated with "brief encounter".

What are some common themes associated with the phrase "brief encounter"?

Common themes include chance meetings, missed opportunities, and fleeting connections, often tinged with a sense of nostalgia or romanticism. The phrase is often used to describe interactions that are short but memorable.

Is "brief encounter" always used in a positive way?

Not necessarily. While it can suggest a pleasant or meaningful interaction, "brief encounter" can also describe encounters that are awkward, tense, or ultimately inconsequential. The context determines the overall tone.