brief episode

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief episode" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a short or fleeting event or occurrence. For example, "The documentary featured a brief episode on the history of the city." Alternative expressions include "short segment" and "quick incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first brief episode is not the most engaging.

The New York Times

It was not a momentary lapse or a brief episode of overaggressiveness.

The New York Times - Sports

Another woman, Michelle Fleet, has a brief episode that has the feel of a star turn.

The New York Times - Arts

The brief episode of the French occupation was to be significant for Egypt in several ways.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It occurred after a brief episode of pushing and shoving in the first period.

The New York Times - Sports

This was a brief episode, but their work had a lasting effect in Sweden.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That brief episode comes at a pivotal point in the bus journey that begins the film.

The New York Times

The story begins with a brief episode in the jungle of Malaysia.

The New York Times - Books

"A year later, a particularly funny joke triggered spontaneous heavy laughter followed by another brief episode of loss of consciousness".

The Guardian

It is a brief episode, "so short that it scarce deserves to be called a chapter at all," as W. M. Thackeray writes in "Vanity Fair".

The New Yorker

We're drinking, my friend, To the end of a brief episode — Make it one for my baby And one more for the road.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a medical condition, use "brief episode" to indicate a short-lived occurrence of symptoms, such as "a brief episode of dizziness".

Common error

Avoid using "brief episode" to describe long-lasting or recurring conditions. "Brief episode" implies a temporary, isolated occurrence, not a chronic or persistent issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief episode" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "brief" modifies the noun "episode". Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing various short-lived occurrences, events, or periods.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brief episode" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a short-lived event or occurrence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. While alternatives like "short period" or "fleeting moment" exist, "brief episode" is a versatile and generally formal option. It's important to avoid using it for chronic conditions and to keep in mind its focus on temporality when choosing the right phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short period

Replaces "episode" with a more general term, focusing on the duration being short.

fleeting moment

Emphasizes the transience and ephemeral nature of the occurrence.

quick spell

Suggests a temporary state or condition.

short burst

Implies a sudden and intense but short-lived occurrence.

transient phase

Highlights the temporary nature of a stage or period in a process.

passing phase

Emphasizes the impermanence of a particular state or condition.

short interlude

Suggests a brief break or pause in an ongoing activity.

short stint

Refers to a short period of time spent doing a particular activity.

temporary state

Focuses on the provisional aspect of a situation or condition.

momentary event

Highlights that the occurrence is something that happened in a brief amount of time.

FAQs

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

You can use "brief episode" to describe a short-lived event or occurrence. For example, "The patient reported a brief episode of chest pain" or "The project experienced a brief episode of delays due to unforeseen circumstances".

What can I say instead of "brief episode"?

You can use alternatives such as "short period", "fleeting moment", or "quick spell" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "brief episode" or "short episode"?

Both "brief episode" and "short episode" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. However, "brief episode" might sound more formal in some situations.

What's the difference between "brief episode" and a more prolonged occurrence?

A "brief episode" refers to something that happens quickly and doesn't last long. In contrast, a more prolonged occurrence suggests something that lasts for an extended period or recurs over time. For instance, a brief episode of fever is different from a chronic fever.