brief explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

"brief explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are providing a concise explanation of something. For example: "The document contains a brief explanation of the new policy guidelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here, a brief explanation is required.

The Guardian - Sport

A brief explanation of the Dave prize.

The Guardian

For each item you include, write a brief explanation of why this particular piece is important.

The New York Times

For each marker, write a brief explanation of its value in Middle Eastern history.

The New York Times

Next to each kite is a brief explanation of its meaning.

The New York Times

Include a brief explanation of the new countries that were formed.

The New York Times

Write a brief explanation of the similarities and differences among the types of media coverage.

The New York Times

Chart your findings and write a brief explanation of what you have learned.

The New York Times

For each image you collect, write a brief explanation of its context within the newspaper.

The New York Times

His brief explanation of what "consent decree" means is the best I have ever read.

The New York Times - Books

He offered a brief explanation of his church's best-known tenet.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brief explanation" when you need to provide a quick overview before delving into more complex details.

Common error

Avoid making the "brief explanation" so short that it becomes unclear or omits crucial information. A good explanation balances brevity with clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief explanation" functions as a noun phrase that describes the type of explanation being given. It typically introduces a concise summary or overview of a topic. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brief explanation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that introduces a concise summary or overview. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted and suitable for various contexts. Its communicative purpose is to inform and clarify a topic quickly. While adaptable, its neutral register makes it especially useful in science, news, media, and general communication where conciseness is valued. When using this phrase, balance brevity with clarity to ensure the explanation remains informative and easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succinct explanation

Replaces "brief" with "succinct", emphasizing the concise and clear nature of the explanation.

concise explanation

Replaces "brief" with "concise", stressing the absence of unnecessary details in the explanation.

simple explanation

Substitutes "brief" with "simple", highlighting the easy-to-understand aspect of the explanation.

short explanation

Uses "short" instead of "brief", maintaining the focus on the limited length of the explanation.

summary explanation

Focuses on the summarization aspect, indicating that the explanation provides a condensed overview.

quick explanation

Emphasizes the speed with which the explanation can be delivered and understood.

abbreviated explanation

Indicates that the explanation has been shortened or reduced in length.

basic explanation

Highlights the fundamental and uncomplicated nature of the explanation provided.

nutshell explanation

Implies that the explanation is extremely condensed, fitting into the smallest possible space.

terse explanation

Highlights the brevity and directness of the explanation, possibly to the point of being abrupt.

FAQs

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

You can use "brief explanation" to introduce a short summary of a topic, like in the sentence, "Here is a "brief explanation" of the process."

What are some alternatives to "brief explanation"?

You can use alternatives like "succinct explanation", "simple explanation", or "short explanation" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to provide a "brief explanation"?

No, a "brief explanation" is most useful when the audience requires a quick understanding of a topic before more in-depth information is presented. In some contexts, a comprehensive explanation might be more appropriate.

How does a "brief explanation" differ from a detailed explanation?

A "brief explanation" provides only the essential information, while a detailed explanation covers all aspects of a topic thoroughly. The choice depends on the audience's needs and the purpose of the communication.