brief tangent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief tangent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate a short digression or deviation from the main topic of discussion. Example: "Before we return to the main subject, I’d like to take a brief tangent to discuss the historical context of this issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A brief tangent, if the reader will permit it.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In brief, the myocardial surface was aligned at an oblique tangent to a collimated quasi-monochromatic X-ray beam with the dimensions, wavelength and flux as previously described [ 8, 26, 28] with the rat approximately 3 m away from the detector [ 8, 28].

Cardiovascular Diabetology

"It took Trump nearly 25 minutes to read the brief statement because he kept going off on one angry tangent after another ignoring his teleprompters and accusing Clinton of not being 'loyal' to her husband, imitating her buckling at a memorial service last month, suggesting that she is 'crazy,' and saying she should be in prison.

Vice

We conclude the article with a brief analysis of the sensitivity of the Jacobian to the input operating point, that is, the point at which the tangent line is calculated (a j in (17)).

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

End tangent).

The New York Times - Magazine

Sine cosine tangent.

The New Yorker

Parker's Tangent, folk.

The New York Times

Chemists always off on tangent.

The New Yorker

She was following a tangent.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was an aside, a tangent.

The New York Times

Oops, off on a tangent again.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brief tangent" to signal a short, intentional departure from the main topic, helping readers or listeners anticipate the change in focus. This can improve clarity and engagement.

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple "brief tangents" in your writing or speech, as this can disrupt the flow and confuse your audience. Maintain a clear connection to the main topic to prevent losing their attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief tangent" functions as an introductory signal to indicate a planned, short departure from the main subject. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in both formal and informal contexts to manage reader or listener expectations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brief tangent" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signals a short digression. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness, and while it's not exceedingly common, its meaning is clear and its usage is consistent across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. To enhance your writing, use "brief tangent" to prepare your audience for short deviations, but avoid overuse to maintain focus. Consider alternatives like "short digression" or "minor deviation" depending on the tone and context required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short digression

Replaces "tangent" with a more direct and common term for a deviation from the main topic.

fleeting digression

Highlights the brevity of the off-topic remark.

minor deviation

Emphasizes the slight nature of the departure from the central subject.

quick detour

Uses a spatial metaphor to describe a temporary change in direction.

a moment's digression

Expressly indicates a temporary departure.

small aside

Highlights the parenthetical nature of the comment or observation.

quick diversion

Highlights the act of turning aside momentarily from the main topic.

brief interlude

Suggests a short break or interruption in the primary narrative.

passing remark

Focuses on the fleeting and often informal nature of the statement.

short excursus

A more formal term for a digression, suitable for academic or literary contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "brief tangent" to introduce a short digression from the main topic. For example, "Before we discuss the budget, allow me a "brief tangent" to address recent policy changes."

What are some alternatives to "brief tangent"?

Alternatives include "short digression", "minor deviation", or "quick detour". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Yes, "brief tangent" is generally acceptable in formal writing, though alternatives like "short excursus" might be more suitable for highly academic contexts.

What's the difference between "brief tangent" and "tangent"?

The addition of "brief" emphasizes the short and temporary nature of the digression. "Tangent" alone simply indicates a departure from the main subject, without specifying its length.