brief span

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief span" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short duration or period of time. Example: "The project was completed in a brief span, showcasing the team's efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sports

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Art's longevity was the consolation for life's too brief span.

The New York Times - Arts

In the brief span of half an hour, not more,.

The New Yorker

De Kerangal crams an enormous amount of insight and information into this brief span of time.

The Guardian - Books

In that brief span, the world population of billionaires nearly doubled to more than 1,800.

The Guardian - Opinion

A mercifully brief span of attention is paid to critical questions: Whose turn to take out the garbage?

The New York Times

During a brief span in the third quarter, the Jets lost the ball twice and the Jaguars once.

The New York Times - Sports

In that brief span, the novel's nameless protagonist, a retired advertising man, undergoes a series of increasingly drastic surgical procedures.

The New York Times - Books

Goulding enacts them all in sequence across the set, as well as within the brief span of individual songs.

The Guardian - Music

Even in the 1910s, the frail, bronchitic Laurence might well have ended his brief span as another infant statistic.

Independent

Clearly she has in a brief span of time learned to make the camera do her bidding.

The New York Times

Yet within that brief span, fundamental principles of democracy and press freedom have twice been tested in Kenya.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brief span" to emphasize the conciseness or brevity of a particular time period, especially when highlighting significant events or changes occurring within that timeframe. This can add impact to your writing by focusing on efficiency or rapid transformations.

Common error

Avoid using "brief span" when the brevity is already implied. For example, saying "a brief span of a moment" is redundant. Instead, use "moment" or "a brief moment" for clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief span" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as an adverbial modifier, specifying the duration or extent of time during which an event or action occurs. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile in use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Books

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Sports

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "brief span" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a short duration. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, books, and encyclopedias. It is versatile in highlighting the conciseness of a time period or the intensity of events occurring within it. While alternatives like "short duration" and "limited period" exist, "brief span" often carries an implicit emphasis on impact or change within the limited time. When using this phrase, be mindful to avoid redundancy and to ensure it accurately reflects the brevity you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short duration

Emphasizes the limited length of time.

limited period

Highlights the restricted nature of the time frame.

short interval

Suggests a break or pause of short length.

fleeting moment

Implies a very short and quickly passing time.

quick timeframe

Focuses on the speed with which something occurs.

small window

Presents the time as an opportunity that is limited.

compressed period

Suggests that a time frame is shorter than usual.

transient phase

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the time frame.

short burst

Implies a sudden and brief release of energy or activity.

passing phase

Highlights the temporary nature of a period or stage.

FAQs

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

You can use "brief span" to describe a short period during which something happens, such as "In a "brief span", the company's profits doubled".

What can I say instead of "brief span"?

You can use alternatives like "short duration", "limited period", or "short interval" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "brief span" in formal writing?

Yes, "brief span" is suitable for formal writing. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various professional and academic contexts.

What's the difference between "brief span" and "short period"?

While both refer to a limited time, "brief span" often emphasizes the impact or intensity of events within that timeframe, whereas "short period" is a more general term for a limited duration.