brief someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when you want to inform or update someone on a particular topic or situation in a concise manner. Example: "Before the meeting, I need to brief the team on the latest project developments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

They do watch for news, and their kind of news is shallow and brief -- someone recommends a new drug, or quarterly earnings dip below analysts' expectations.

The New York Times - Magazine

But right at the top of the 46-page brief, someone had inserted language denigrating Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court's 1973 decision upholding a women's right to abortion.

The Washington Post

Anita Charlesworth, the head of the welfare to work team, said: "The treasury is not the sort of place where you brief someone who briefs someone else who then briefs a minister.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He offered another anecdote, a conversation he had with a retired PDB briefer — someone who delivers the president's daily highly confidential briefings.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Imagine that you are an attorney who is briefing someone about the situation in Brazil.

The New York Times

Briefing someone to do a diversity audit does not make it ok to then hire five white middle-class guys in a row.

Huffington Post

"You think and talk somewhat faster, though in brief conversation someone may simply think you are in a good mood.

The Washington Post

Her disclosure can be brief ("As someone I have known both personally and professionally....".) and need not extol your kissable lips or that funny way you crinkle your eyes at a moment of passion.

The New York Times - Magazine

After I wrote this brief essay, someone brought to my attention an article posted at Slate by Michael Levi, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations("Barking Up the Wrong Tree: Why 'Green Jobs' May Not Save the Economy or the Environment," March 4, 2009).

Huffington Post

First as a coping mechanism, but later, when they're buying a house and ~apparently~ enjoying the company of a vagina, it's nice to know that, for a brief period, someone who resembled a Disney prince used to gaze at me with nothing but lust, too.

Vice

The Times said it was briefed by someone who was familiar with the planning and unhappy with its direction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Structure your briefing logically. Start with the most crucial points and then add supporting details as needed.

Common error

Avoid overwhelming the person you're briefing with too much detail. Stick to the essentials and offer additional information only if requested.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief someone" functions as a verb phrase, where "brief" acts as a transitive verb requiring a direct object (the person being briefed). This construction conveys the action of providing concise information to a specific individual. Ludwig examples support this function.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "brief someone" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of providing concise information to a person. While categorized as rare in frequency, it appears across multiple contexts including News & Media, Academia and Formal & Business settings. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, with related phrases like "inform someone" and "update someone" offering similar meanings. When using this phrase, aim for clarity and conciseness, avoiding the common error of overloading with information. Effective briefings deliver essential details efficiently, ensuring the recipient is well-informed without being overwhelmed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Inform someone

A more general and direct way of conveying information.

Update someone

Focuses on providing the latest information.

Fill someone in

An informal way to provide necessary details.

Give someone the rundown

Implies a quick summary of key points.

Get someone up to speed

Highlights the need to bring someone current.

Apprise someone of

A more formal and sophisticated way to inform.

Advise someone

Offers guidance or recommendations along with information.

Enlighten someone

Suggests providing new or revealing information.

Tell someone briefly

Emphasizes the conciseness of the information given.

Give someone a summary

Focuses on providing a shortened version of the information.

FAQs

What does it mean to "brief someone"?

To "brief someone" means to inform them about something in a concise and efficient manner. It involves providing essential information quickly and clearly.

What can I say instead of "brief someone"?

You can use alternatives like "inform someone", "update someone", or "fill someone in" depending on the context.

How do I effectively "brief someone" on a complex topic?

Start with a high-level overview, highlight the key points, and provide supporting details only when necessary. Keep your language clear and concise.

Is it better to "brief someone" in person or via email?

It depends on the complexity and urgency of the information. For simple updates, email may suffice. For complex or sensitive topics, briefing in person allows for better interaction and clarification.