brief passage

USAGE SUMMARY

"brief passage" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a short section or excerpt from a larger piece of writing. Here is an example of how it can be used in a sentence: "I was deeply moved by the author's poignant words in the brief passage about loss from their latest novel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What happens musically to make a brief passage have such an oversized emotional impact?

The New York Times - Arts

There was no such violence in a brief passage before the end.

The New Yorker

Take this brief passage, following Charlie's explanation to his friend Linc that he is in love.

The New York Times - Books

How human this brief passage makes Pechvarry, how conflicted, and how visible it makes his scars.

The Guardian - Books

As this brief passage illustrates, gratitude is more than a pleasant feeling; it is also motivating.

University of California, Berkeley

The closest Harris comes is complaining about feeling left out, in a brief passage contradicting nearly every­thing else he wrote.

The New York Times - Books

That brief passage, from the second chapter of "Glue," might stand as a typically self-deconstructing credo.

The New York Times - Books

Occasionally, almost from nowhere, a brief passage of straightforward symphonic chords would emerge and then dissolve into the changeable fabric.

The New York Times - Arts

Dozens of English speakers from around the world speak the same brief passage in their different accents.

The New York Times - Tech

One brief passage focuses on their mother, Lola, in 1951, while others switch to Termite's father, Cpl.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

There is surely joy in sharing the happy moment with others, but any transformative experience requires our total attention and in-depth reflection of an all-too-brief passage in our lives.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing literature or giving feedback, use "brief passage" to precisely refer to a small section you're focusing on. This avoids ambiguity and focuses the reader's attention.

Common error

Avoid using "brief passage" when you intend to provide a summary of a larger work. A "brief passage" refers to a specific, small section, not an overview.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief passage" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific, short section of text or music. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

25%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "brief passage" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a short section of text or music. Ludwig AI affirms its usability, and numerous examples demonstrate its wide application across news, academic, and scientific contexts. While simple, this noun phrase serves to efficiently highlight specific, limited portions of larger works for analysis or discussion. Remember to use this phrase when you want to be precise about referencing a small section, rather than providing a general summary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief excerpt

Directly synonyms with minimal alteration in meaning.

short excerpt

Focuses on the section being taken out of a larger work.

short segment

Similar in meaning but focusing on segmentation or division.

concise segment

Emphasizes the brevity and succinctness of the section.

concise selection

Implies careful choice and brevity.

fleeting moment

Highlights the transient nature of what is being described.

short burst

Conveys the idea of something occurring rapidly and briefly.

quick section

Suggests speed and lack of detail.

passing phase

Suggests something temporary and developmental.

short paragraph

More specific, referring to a paragraph rather than a passage.

FAQs

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

You can use "brief passage" to refer to a short excerpt from a text, like in the sentence: "The author uses vivid imagery in this "brief passage" to evoke a sense of nostalgia."

What's a good substitute for "brief passage"?

Alternatives include "short excerpt", "concise segment", or "short section". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "brief passage" in formal writing?

Yes, "brief passage" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to refer to a short section of text. However, consider alternatives such as "short excerpt" or "concise segment" for added precision.

What's the difference between "brief passage" and "summary"?

A "brief passage" refers to a small, specific portion of a text, while a "summary" provides an overview of the entire work or a substantial part of it. Don't use "brief passage" if you are summarizing something; instead, use it only when you are referencing a particular section.