brief time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a short duration or period of time. Example: "We only have a brief time to discuss the project before the meeting starts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For a brief time, they were huge.

The Washington Post

For a brief time, they burned brilliantly.

The Washington Post

Once upon a brief time, he did.

The New York Times - Sports

For a brief time, everyone grew hopeful.

The New York Times

This included his brief time in the Bronx.

The New York Times

He would see three sunsets in a brief time.

The New York Times

For a brief time, the site was offline.

The New York Times

They're meant for short distances and brief time periods.

The Washington Post

She spent a brief time under contract to MGM Studios.

The New York Times

For the brief time we interact, we're flawless.

The New York Times - Magazine

But I'd learnt much from my brief time in Kitzbühel.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "brief time", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended brevity. For emphasis, pair it with adverbs like "very" or "extremely".

Common error

Avoid using "brief time" when referring to durations that are moderately short but not truly fleeting. Opt for alternatives like "short period" or "reasonable timeframe" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief time" functions as a noun phrase, where "brief" modifies the noun "time". It serves to describe a period of short duration. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brief time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a short duration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily within the news and media domain. While alternatives like "short period" or "fleeting moment" exist, "brief time" serves as a versatile and clear way to communicate limited duration in various contexts. The phrase is appropriate for neutral and professional registers, making it a useful addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short period

Emphasizes the duration's lack of length.

fleeting moment

Highlights the transient nature of the duration.

short while

A more colloquial way of expressing a brief duration.

quick spell

Implies a short and often intermittent duration.

momentary duration

Highlights the temporary nature and length.

small window

Suggests a limited opportunity or timeframe.

flash of time

Emphasizes the sudden and quick nature.

transient interval

Focuses on the passing nature.

passing phase

Implies a temporary stage or state.

split second

Emphasizes the brevity of the duration, almost instantaneous.

FAQs

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

You can use "brief time" to describe a short duration or period. For example: "We only have a "brief time" to discuss the project", or "He visited the city for a "brief time".

What can I say instead of "brief time"?

You can use alternatives like "short period", "fleeting moment", or "quick spell" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very brief time"?

While "brief" already implies a short duration, using "very brief time" can emphasize the extreme shortness of the period. Whether it's redundant depends on the desired level of emphasis.

Which is correct, "brief time" or "short time"?

Both "brief time" and "short time" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey. "Brief" might suggest something more fleeting or concise than "short".