brief reading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief reading" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a short or concise examination of a text or material. Example: "After a brief reading of the report, I was able to grasp the main points quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Then it was time for one final, brief reading.

The New York Times

Then Ringwald put on a pair of nerdy-looking glasses and gave a brief reading.

The New Yorker

His own performance, limited to a brief reading, he dismissed with a wave of his cigarette.

The New York Times - Style

At the Asia Society, he was brief, reading one ten-minute poem: "An Offering for Tara" — the Buddhist goddess of compassion.

The New Yorker

For anyone wanting more background on the government's Help to Buy scheme, here is a brief reading list: All our Help to Buy scheme coverage is here.

The Guardian - Business

In contrast, any programme dealing with a book or play is able to give only a hint – through a brief reading or dramatisation – of the material being featured.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"Legislative history," the brief reads, "is irrelevant".

The Economist

"The law is not so easily manipulated," the brief reads.

The New York Times - Sports

"The tone of the brief reads like an indictment".

The Guardian - Tech

"The district court in this case failed to recognize his role as a judge as opposed to a policy maker," the brief read.

The New York Times

"It would be offensive to the first amendment," Cato's amicus brief reads, "to allow Texas to tell us what is offensive".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "brief reading", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for brevity, such as time constraints or the purpose of initial assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "brief reading" when you actually intend to describe a comprehensive or in-depth analysis of a text. A "brief reading" should only capture the main points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief reading" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "brief" modifies the noun "reading". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It commonly serves as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating a short or concise act of reading.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brief reading" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a short or quick act of reading. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's essential to ensure its use aligns with the intended level of detail, avoiding it when a more thorough analysis is meant. Alternatives like "quick read" or "short reading" can offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quick read

Replaces "reading" with "read", emphasizing the speed of the action.

short reading

Substitutes "brief" with "short", maintaining a similar meaning of limited duration.

cursory review

Uses "cursory review" to denote a quick and superficial examination.

speed reading

Highlights the rapid pace of reading, more focused on velocity.

swift perusal

Replaces both "brief" and "reading" with synonyms that emphasize speed and thoroughness to a limited extent.

rapid scan

Suggests a very quick overview, possibly less thorough than a "reading".

fleeting glance

Indicates a very short and often superficial look at something.

superficial reading

Implies a lack of depth in the reading process.

preliminary scan

Indicates an initial quick look, often before a more detailed examination.

concise analysis

Focuses on the succinctness of the analytical aspect of reading.

FAQs

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

You might say, "After a "brief reading" of the contract, I understood the key terms" or "The professor gave us a "brief reading" assignment for tomorrow".

What's a good alternative to "brief reading"?

Consider using alternatives like "quick read", "short reading", or "cursory review" depending on the desired nuance.

Is "brief reading" formal or informal?

"Brief reading" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it's a common and easily understood phrase. The register depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

What does "brief reading" imply about the depth of understanding?

A "brief reading" suggests a superficial or initial understanding, not a deep or thorough analysis. For the latter, consider terms like "detailed analysis" or "comprehensive study".