brief period

USAGE SUMMARY

'brief period' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a short amount of time, often one that is unspecified. For example, "She was feeling overwhelmed by the tasks she had to do, so she decided to take a break for a brief period to clear her head."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Over what (preferably brief) period of time?

Harvard Business Review

For a brief period Russell found himself taboo.

The New York Times

For a brief period, the sex establishments prevailed in court.

The New York Times

For a brief period, everything had to be new.

The Guardian - Music

During that brief period, she was caretaker leader.

The Guardian

For a brief period, Nessa looked properly energised.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"These guyswere semistarved for a relatively brief period".

The New York Times - Magazine

Afterward, she spent a brief period in a mental hospital.

The New York Times - Magazine

There was a brief period when it was even $95.

The New York Times

Lumumba spent a brief period in jail as a result.

The Guardian

It had undergone a brief period of academic improvement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brief period" when you want to emphasize the limited duration of something, without specifying the exact length. It implies a noticeable, but not prolonged, timeframe.

Common error

Avoid using "brief period" repeatedly in formal documents. Vary your language with synonyms like "short interval" or "short duration" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief period" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as an adverbial modifier, indicating the duration of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms it's a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brief period" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a short duration. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and it appears most commonly in news and media, encyclopedias, and academic contexts. While versatile, writers should be mindful of potential repetition, especially in formal writing, and consider using synonyms like "short interval" or "fleeting moment" to enhance style and clarity. Remember to use "brief period" when conveying a sense of a limited, noticeable timeframe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short interval

Emphasizes the space between two points in time.

short duration

Highlights the length of time something lasts.

fleeting moment

Suggests a very quick and transient experience.

temporary phase

Implies a stage that is not permanent.

passing phase

Similar to temporary phase, but can also imply a quick change.

short spell

Describes a limited time, often associated with weather or illness.

quick burst

Implies a sudden and short release of energy or activity.

transient episode

A short event or occurrence that is not lasting.

momentary lapse

Suggests a brief failure or interruption.

short stretch

Refers to a continuous period of limited time.

FAQs

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

You can use "brief period" to describe a short amount of time, such as, "After a "brief period" of silence, she began to speak".

What's the difference between "brief period" and "short period"?

"Brief period" and "short period" are largely interchangeable, although "brief" might suggest an even shorter duration or a sense of something fleeting compared to "short".

What can I say instead of "brief period"?

Alternatives to "brief period" include "short interval", "short duration", or "fleeting moment", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a brief period of time"?

Yes, "a brief period of time" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It's slightly more emphatic than just "brief period" but essentially conveys the same meaning.