brief stir

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief stir" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick or momentary movement or change, often in a physical or emotional context. Example: "There was a brief stir in the audience when the speaker mentioned the surprise guest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Give the lightly jellied juice a brief stir to break it up, and transfer into chilled bowls.

Independent

Nothing like that happened at Diane Von Furstenberg's show, although the arrival of the Hilton sisters caused a brief stir.

The New York Times - Style

Before I left, I discovered that there had been a brief stir in the press a week or so after Brian Slavenas died.

The New Yorker

This police fund, as well as some details of a Rudi Giuliani-initiated program by which police officers had been hired by corporations, created a brief stir online.

The Guardian - Opinion

If the past was any guide, there'd be a brief stir in the press, a few heads would roll, but nothing would actually change for employees and subcontractors.

The Guardian

There was a brief stir in this land last month, when one of India's most go-ahead private banks announced that it would swap shares with one of the country's oldest.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The arrest last week of more than 200 Christians on vague charges of treason, and the release this week of many of them, may appear to be another brief stir-up.

The Economist

While these incidents have created brief stirs, they have not resulted in significant fines or other penalties for the show.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama's remarks, at the daily White House press briefing, stirred immediate and emotional reactions around the country.

The New York Times

As Sam Stein reported earlier, bonkers author Jerome Corsi - credited correctly with having managed a "brief campaign stir" - has been walking around CPAC today, telling the assembled masses that he still regards President Barack Obama's U.S. citizenship to be "not settled," adding, "And a birth certificate should be a mundane certificate.

Huffington Post

The subject of a brief controversy stirred up by Business Insider, Apple recently changed the way it identifies your device, starting with iOS 6, for advertisers that serve you well-aimed ads.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brief stir" when you want to convey a short-lived period of excitement or interest, often caused by a specific event or announcement.

Common error

While "brief stir" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more precise or sophisticated vocabulary depending on the tone of your work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief stir" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an event or situation, indicating a short-lived period of excitement or interest. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brief stir" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a short period of excitement or interest. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Analysis of its usage reveals its prevalence in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. Related phrases like "fleeting commotion" and "momentary excitement" offer alternative ways to express the same idea. While widely applicable, it's best to avoid overusing "brief stir" in highly formal or academic writing, opting for more sophisticated vocabulary when appropriate. Overall, "brief stir" is a versatile and effective phrase for conveying a transient state of activity or interest.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting commotion

Replaces "stir" with a synonym that suggests a disturbance or agitation.

short burst of interest

Replaces "stir" with a phrase that emphasizes the temporary increase in attention.

momentary excitement

Highlights the feeling of enthusiasm that characterizes the "stir".

small ripple of interest

Uses a metaphor to describe the subtle and transient nature of the "stir".

quick flurry of activity

Emphasizes the fast pace and limited duration of the activity.

passing wave of attention

Suggests that the attention is temporary and will soon disappear.

minor upheaval

Indicates a disturbance that is not serious or long-lasting.

slight disturbance

Focuses on the minor and inconsequential nature of the event.

short period of unrest

Emphasizes the lack of calm and the temporary nature of the situation.

transient ripple effect

Highlights the short lived and spreading nature of the "stir".

FAQs

What does "brief stir" mean?

The phrase "brief stir" refers to a short period of excitement, interest, or activity, usually caused by a particular event or piece of news.

What can I say instead of "brief stir"?

You can use alternatives like "fleeting commotion", "short burst of interest", or "momentary excitement" depending on the context.

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

You can use "brief stir" to describe a situation, such as "The announcement caused a "brief stir" in the market" or "There was a "brief stir" in the audience when the celebrity arrived".

Is "brief stir" formal or informal?

"Brief stir" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or very professional settings.