brief them on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief them on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when you want to inform or update someone about a specific topic or situation. Example: "Before the meeting, please brief them on the latest project developments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

So the first thing I did was to brief them on the charges.

The New Yorker

And she meets regularly with local officials to brief them on the missions being planned.

The New York Times

Twelve scientists then wrote to Jensen and Back, offering to brief them on the science.

The Guardian

The executives are meeting with the banks' sales teams on Friday to brief them on the roadshow presentation.

The New York Times

This afternoon, Mr. Annan met with the 10 nonpermanent members, to brief them on his search for an executive chairman.

The New York Times

Mr. Lhota had a series of meetings with top New Jersey officials to brief them on the city's new approach.

The New York Times

10.41am: Condon says he invited all print, TV and radio editors to brief them on his planned reforms.

The Guardian

During the day, Mr. Clinton telephoned other leaders in the Middle East to brief them on the developments.

The New York Times

In return BCG asks alumni to help it recruit new graduates, and to brief them on the state of the industries they are now working in.

The Economist

Facebook executives will meet in New York with the sales forces of its banks on Friday to brief them on the I.P.O.

The New York Times

For several years, he held regular breakfast meetings with a handpicked group of 30 to 40 power players, ostensibly to brief them on the Republican agenda.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when choosing this phrase. While widely acceptable, more formal alternatives might be suitable for certain professional settings.

Common error

Avoid turning a "briefing" into a lengthy lecture. Stick to the essentials to maintain your audience's attention and comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief them on" functions as a phrasal verb, where "brief" acts as a verb meaning to give concise information, and "on" connects the briefing to the topic. Ludwig shows that this phrase is commonly used to quickly inform someone about a specific subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "brief them on" is a commonly used phrasal verb that means to quickly inform someone about a specific topic. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely applicable in news, business, and scientific contexts. While suitable for professional use, remember to keep briefings concise and tailored to your audience. Alternatives include "inform them about" and "update them on". This ensures clear and effective communication in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inform them about

Focuses on conveying information without necessarily implying a summary.

update them on

Suggests providing the latest information on a developing situation.

apprise them of

A more formal way to say inform, often used in professional settings.

fill them in on

An informal way to provide details about something.

acquaint them with

Focuses on introducing someone to a new topic or concept.

enlighten them about

Suggests revealing new or previously unknown information.

advise them on

Implies giving counsel or recommendations.

notify them of

Focuses on formally announcing or communicating something.

present information to them about

A more descriptive way to say brief, emphasizing the delivery of information.

educate them on

Implies a more in-depth explanation or teaching of a subject.

FAQs

What does "brief them on" mean?

The phrase "brief them on" means to quickly inform someone about something, providing them with the essential details in a concise manner.

What can I say instead of "brief them on"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "brief them on" in formal writing?

Yes, "brief them on" is generally acceptable in formal writing, though more formal options like "apprise them of" may be more suitable depending on the specific context.

How is "brief them on" different from "inform them about"?

While both phrases convey information, "brief them on" implies a more concise and summarized delivery, whereas "inform them about" suggests a more general imparting of knowledge.