briefed about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "briefed about" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when someone is informed or given a summary of information regarding a specific topic or situation. Example: "The team was briefed about the new project guidelines during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's all he gets briefed about and it's his primary focus of attention.

The Guardian - Opinion

President Obama, they said, has been briefed about the crisis.

The New York Times

Yates was briefed about the session the next day.

The New Yorker

The president keeps saying that "Congress is continually briefed" about security issues.

The New York Times

The White House was briefed about the incident on Tuesday morning.

The New York Times

They said the House and Senate Intelligence Committees had been briefed about it.

The New York Times

The association planned their itinerary & had them briefed about the Long River before they started.

The New Yorker

They also said trainers were not fully briefed about the past deaths associated with Tilikum.

The New York Times

From the first time Feinstein was briefed about the program, she opposed it.

The New Yorker

The Clinton spokesman wouldn't comment on whether Clinton was briefed about the matter.

The New Yorker

Cameron will have been briefed about the current security situation in Helmand, which is confused.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "briefed about", ensure the subject receiving the briefing is clearly identified, as well as the topic of the briefing, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice when using "briefed about". Instead of "The team was briefed about the project", consider "The manager briefed the team about the project" for a more direct and active sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "briefed about" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone has received information on a particular subject. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is commonly used to show that someone has been informed, often in a formal or official context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "briefed about" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that indicates someone has received information on a specific topic. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across diverse contexts such as news, science, and formal communications. While versatile, it is essential to ensure clarity by explicitly stating who was briefed and what the briefing covered. Consider alternatives such as "informed of" or "updated on" for nuanced expressions. Avoiding passive voice constructions can further enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

informed of

Focuses on the act of conveying information, often in a more general sense.

updated on

Emphasizes receiving the latest information or changes.

apprised of

A more formal way of saying 'informed', often used in professional settings.

filled in on

Suggests providing missing details or background information.

advised about

Indicates that guidance or recommendations were given regarding a topic.

instructed on

Highlights the provision of specific directions or training.

clued in on

An informal way of saying 'informed', often used when revealing a secret or insider knowledge.

brought up to speed on

Emphasizes quickly conveying essential information to someone who is behind.

given the details of

Focuses on the provision of specific and comprehensive information.

schooled in

Refers to a thorough education or training in a particular subject.

FAQs

How do I use "briefed about" in a sentence?

Use "briefed about" to indicate that someone has been given information or instructions. For example, "The president was "briefed about" the situation" or "The team was "briefed about" the new procedures".

What is a more formal alternative to "briefed about"?

A more formal alternative to "briefed about" is "apprised of". This implies a more official or serious communication of information.

What's the difference between "briefed about" and "informed of"?

"Briefed about" often implies a summary or overview of information, whereas "informed of" suggests a more general conveyance of facts. The nuances depend on context.

Can I use "briefed on" instead of "briefed about"?

Yes, "briefed on" is also correct and frequently used. Both phrases convey the same meaning of receiving information or instructions, although "briefed on" might be slightly more common. Consider both these alternatives: "updated on" or "filled in on".