brief response

USAGE SUMMARY

"brief response" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a succinct answer to a question or comment. For example: "He asked me why I was late and I gave him a brief response: I had trouble getting out of bed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Brief response papers required.

Stanford University

The company issued a brief response.

The New York Times

A Brief Response 1 By John C. Coffee, Jr.

Columbia University

"Thanks" is the brief response from those such as Toula Pothiti.

The Guardian

After the showing of this program, you are asked to present a brief response.

The Guardian - Opinion

MR. GIBSON: Senator Clinton, before I move on, do you want to do a brief response?

The New York Times

Participants were asked to write brief response papers to the topics and ideas discussed.

University of California, Berkeley

Ms. Black shrunk back and looked on politely, before giving her own brief response.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This often sparked spontaneous online debates in which students posted far more than the minimum I requested (two brief responses).

University of California, Berkeley

The Center's Reference Library will provide brief responses to questions about artists and objects in the museum's collections.

Yale University

Immediate brief responses and part of the slower response to the stimulus train were removed by 300 nM tertiapin-Q.

Autonomic Neuroscience

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "brief response", consider including details about the context in which it was given to provide a clearer picture of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "brief response" to describe an answer that is perceived as impolite or dismissive. A "brief response" should be concise, but still courteous and appropriate for the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief response" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb (e.g., 'give', 'issue', 'receive') or as a subject complement. It describes the nature of an answer or reaction, indicating its conciseness. As Ludwig suggests, the phrase is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brief response" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term to describe a short and direct answer or reaction. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including academic, news, and scientific domains. While the phrase itself is neutral, it's important to consider the context in which it is used to avoid any implication of rudeness. Alternatives like "short answer", "quick reply", and "concise reply" can be used depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short answer

Focuses on the brevity of the reply, omitting the reactive aspect.

quick reply

Emphasizes the speed of the answer rather than its length.

concise reply

Highlights the succinct and clear nature of the response.

terse reply

Implies a short and often abrupt response, possibly lacking detail.

succinct answer

Stresses the conciseness and precision of the answer.

short rejoinder

Rejoinder suggests a reply, especially a quick or critical one and short enhances the brevity.

pithy retort

Indicates a brief, clever, and often witty response.

minimal feedback

Highlights the limited amount of information given in the response.

cursory feedback

Implies a superficial or hasty response, lacking thoroughness.

limited reaction

Focuses on the restrained or minimal nature of the reaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "brief response" to describe a short answer or reaction. For example, "The company issued a "brief response" to the allegations" or "He gave a "brief response" and walked away".

What are some alternatives to "brief response"?

Some alternatives include "short answer", "quick reply", or "concise reply". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of the response you want to emphasize.

Is it always appropriate to give a "brief response"?

No, a "brief response" is not always appropriate. It's suitable when a short and direct answer is sufficient. However, in situations requiring detailed explanations or empathy, a more comprehensive response is necessary.

What's the difference between "brief response" and "terse reply"?

While both describe short answers, "brief response" is neutral and simply indicates brevity. "Terse reply" implies abruptness or rudeness. A "terse reply" might be intentionally short to convey displeasure or disinterest, while a "brief response" can be polite and efficient.