brief scan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief scan" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a quick examination or review of something, such as a document or information. Example: "After a brief scan of the report, I noticed several key points that needed further discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

A brief scan of Smashing's most popular articles will give you the idea.

The Guardian - Tech

A brief scan reveals that the UK is the largest exporter of arms to India.

Independent

A brief scan of the submissions for "Spiderman" turned up pithy plot summations ("boy bitten, girl smitten") and punchy criticism ("stunts right, story slight").

The New York Times - Tech

A brief scan of Wallet Hub.com, the American Gaming Association, Mobile Storm and the NCAA itself, reveal these startling statistics.

Forbes

While not every political party in India originated as an offshoot (the sui generis Shiv Sena, Akali Dal, Bahujan Samaj Party or Telugu Desam Party come to mind), a brief scan of registered parties in India reveals sheer scale in numbers.

Forbes

Over the course of seven days there wasn't a single time when I stood on the bridge of the Seletar, even when deep at sea, that I couldn't look out and see other container ships, and a brief scan of the horizon with binoculars would usually reveal four or five more.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Under normal NHS procedures, two brief scans are taken to check for abnormalities.

The Guardian

While this brief scanning by the TR may provide an explanation for the feeble TR/pMHC interactions alluded to earlier, it becomes increasingly important to understand the minute aspects of this vital binding over a broad spectrum of data.

Plosone

We confirmed that this excitation regime was unable to activate the optogenetic constructs during the very brief scans.

Cell Calcium

Who exactly "they" are is up to you, though even the briefest scan of the internet will leave you clear that it must involve the CIA, Mossad, the black helicopters of the One World Government, the Metropolitan Media Elite, or Lyndon Johnson.

The Guardian - Sport

On two visits, I saw people giving text collages only the briefest scan before moving on, which is too bad: the daily news, Ms. Rosler's greatest resource, is the weirdest, saddest, scariest story ever told.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brief scan" when you want to convey a quick, superficial examination of something. It's ideal for situations where a detailed analysis isn't necessary or possible.

Common error

Avoid using "brief scan" in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise term like "preliminary analysis" or "cursory review" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief scan" functions as a noun phrase typically used as an object of a verb. It describes the act of quickly reviewing or examining something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brief scan" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a quick or superficial examination. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase "brief scan" is usable in written English. While common in news and general writing, it might be less appropriate in highly formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "quick look" or "cursory review" for nuanced communication. When using "brief scan", ensure the context aligns with the intended level of formality and the degree of analysis implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quick look

Replaces "scan" with "look", emphasizing the visual aspect of the review.

cursory review

Substitutes "brief" with "cursory", highlighting the superficial nature of the examination.

swift overview

Emphasizes the speed of the review, replacing both "brief" and "scan".

hasty examination

Highlights the rushed nature of the examination, suggesting it might be less thorough.

speedy inspection

Focuses on the quickness of the inspection.

rapid check

Implies a fast verification process.

fleeting glance

Suggests an even shorter and less detailed review.

superficial assessment

Highlights the lack of depth in the assessment.

passing observation

Indicates a casual and brief observation.

preliminary check

Focuses on the initial stage of the verification.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "brief scan" into a sentence?

You can use "brief scan" to describe a quick examination of something. For example, "After a brief scan of the document, I found the error."

What are some alternatives to using "brief scan" in my writing?

Consider using alternatives like "quick look", "cursory review", or "swift overview" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "brief scan" versus a more thorough analysis?

Use "brief scan" when a detailed examination isn't required or feasible. For in-depth investigations, opt for terms like "detailed analysis" or "comprehensive review".

Is "brief scan" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "brief scan" may sound informal in some contexts. In formal settings, consider "preliminary assessment" or "cursory examination" for a more professional tone.