brief word about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief word about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to introduce a short comment or explanation regarding a specific topic. Example: "Before we dive into the main discussion, I would like to share a brief word about the importance of teamwork in our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But a brief word about the economics.

The New York Times

A brief word about "fair use".

The New York Times - Tech

SPEAKER: First, a brief word about the technique of etching, one of several print media.

Cornell University

So I'm only going to say one brief word about "Girls," given that I've already said six thousand.

The New Yorker

And nothing beats what former New Zealand Prime Minister David Lange said when asked by a journalist for "a brief word" about Australia: "Wombat".

Independent

Before our episode begins, a brief word about Taxi TV, which longtime readers may recall is deeply reviled by the Haggler.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

He began trembling, said yes, and told me, in brief words, about his life with Lucia and his two daughters.

The New York Times

After some brief words about the schedule Monday and a required volunteer program, the 12th-grade teacher turned quickly to Zion Square.

The New York Times

Then I'll say something about the history before Kato and finally a few brief words about some of the other later developments.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

A scene in which male relatives sit around watching football, breaking the silence only to utter brief words about cars or driving directions, comes from Nelson's own terse family get-togethers.

Los Angeles Times

Unless you're sure that everyone in the audience will be perfectly aware of your importance, you'll probably want to start your speech with a few brief words about yourself just to give the audience an idea of who you are.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "brief word about", ensure that the subsequent explanation or comment is indeed concise and relevant to the main topic. Avoid lengthy digressions that defeat the purpose of the introductory phrase.

Common error

Avoid following "brief word about" with an extended explanation. The phrase implies conciseness, so a lengthy discussion will seem incongruous and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief word about" functions as an introductory phrase, signaling that a short explanation or comment will follow. Ludwig AI shows examples where it prefaces discussions on diverse topics ranging from economics to art techniques.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brief word about" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, functioning as an introductory element to signal a short explanation or comment on a topic. Ludwig AI indicates its use across various contexts, including news, academia, and general explanations. While not overly formal, it maintains a neutral register suitable for most writing and speaking scenarios. It's important to ensure that the subsequent explanation remains concise to align with the phrase's implied brevity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a quick note concerning

Replaces "word" with "note" and uses "concerning" instead of "about", slightly altering the tone.

a short comment regarding

Substitutes "word" with "comment" and "about" with "regarding", providing a more formal alternative.

a brief remark on

Uses "remark" instead of "word" and "on" instead of "about", offering a more direct phrasing.

a concise statement concerning

Emphasizes brevity and formality by using "concise statement" and "concerning".

a small point regarding

Replaces "brief word" with "small point", softening the introduction.

a quick mention of

Uses "mention" to suggest a passing reference to the topic.

a short aside on

Indicates a digression or tangential comment.

a passing comment about

Highlights the brevity and informality of the remark.

a few thoughts on

Suggests a slightly more elaborate, though still brief, consideration.

a short observation regarding

Offers a more thoughtful and analytical tone.

FAQs

How can I use "brief word about" in a sentence?

You can use "brief word about" to introduce a short comment or explanation on a specific topic. For example: "Before we start, a "brief word about" safety precautions."

What can I say instead of "brief word about"?

You can use alternatives like "quick note concerning", "short comment regarding", or "brief remark on" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "brief word on" or "brief word about"?

"Brief word on" and "brief word about" are both acceptable, but "brief word about" is more common. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What's the difference between "brief word about" and "short note on"?

Both "brief word about" and "short note on" introduce a concise remark. However, "short note on" might imply a slightly more formal or written communication, while "brief word about" is suitable for both spoken and written contexts.