brief reference

USAGE SUMMARY

"brief reference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a brief mention or allusion to something. For example, "The professor made a brief reference to Plato's philosophy during his lecture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Except for a brief reference in an introductory video, Mr. Caparulo will not refer to Edge, and no products will appear in his videos.

The New York Times

The prince, again subtly encouraged by Marr, made a brief reference to his mother, Princess Diana.

The Guardian

(There is a brief reference to breaking up on a hike).

The Guardian

A brief reference to another writer or collaborator may appear deep on the acknowledgments page.

The New York Times

Aside from a brief reference to "my poor judgment," the governor's resignation speech was peculiarly self-serving.

The New York Times

He made a brief reference to his late son Ivan when he spoke of his luck in having four children.

The Guardian

Because of the primer format, Cheney can't give more than a brief reference to any single figure or idea.

The New York Times - Books

A brief reference to § 1341, which proposes to reenact the present section covering the use of the mails to defraud.

Cornell University

Only a brief reference was made to the reasons why the palm oil industry is the subject of fierce debate.

Independent

A brief reference is made to other studies which have addressed the problem of sampling contaminated sites.

Science of The Total Environment

There was a brief reference in favour of combating Aids and not much more than a passing reference to the Middle East.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow a "brief reference" with a slightly more detailed explanation if the subject may be unfamiliar to your audience.

Common error

Avoid making a "brief reference" to something that your audience is unlikely to know. Always consider your audience's background knowledge and provide context when necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief reference" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or a component within a larger sentence structure. It describes the act of mentioning something concisely. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brief reference" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a short mention of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is applicable across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and scientific reports. While the phrase itself is neutral, considering your audience's knowledge and context is crucial for effective communication. Alternatives like "passing mention" or "fleeting allusion" can be used in more formal settings. Remember to provide additional context when necessary to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passing mention

Focuses on the act of mentioning something in passing, implying it wasn't a major topic.

fleeting allusion

Emphasizes the quick and indirect nature of the reference.

quick citation

Highlights the act of citing something quickly, particularly in academic or formal contexts.

short note

Refers to a short written mention or indication of something.

terse remark

Indicates a concise and sometimes abrupt comment.

cursory observation

Stresses that the observation was quick and not thorough.

minor aside

Implies the reference is a secondary point, not the main focus.

incidental comment

Suggests the comment was unplanned or unintentional.

small annotation

Indicates a small added note or explanation.

limited acknowledgment

Focuses on a restricted or minimal form of acknowledging something.

FAQs

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

You can use "brief reference" to indicate a short mention of something. For example, "The report included a "brief reference" to the economic impact of the policy".

What's a more formal alternative to "brief reference"?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "passing mention" or "fleeting allusion".

Is it okay to use "brief reference" in academic writing?

Yes, "brief reference" is acceptable in academic writing to describe a short mention of a topic or source. Ensure that any claims made are backed by proper citations, even in a "brief reference".

What's the difference between "brief reference" and "detailed analysis"?

"Brief reference" indicates a short mention, whereas "detailed analysis" suggests a thorough and comprehensive examination of a subject. They are contrasting in scope and depth.