briefer than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "briefer than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the length or duration of two things, indicating that one is shorter in length or time than the other. Example: "The presentation was briefer than I expected, allowing us more time for discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Please forgive me if the posts are briefer than usual.

The New York Times

Cameron's life in politics is even briefer than Ed Balls'.

The Guardian

First, his candidacy was far briefer than, say, Mr. Carter's.

The New York Times

The post was a simple one, even briefer than he remembered.

The New York Times - Tech

That quote was no briefer than his other remarks about the school.

The Washington Post

The preliminaries for the fight were briefer than usual because it was televised to the East.

The New Yorker

A gust is briefer than a squall and usually lasts 20 seconds or less.

Encyclopedia Britannica

My encounter with Kushner is briefer than either of us would like.

The Guardian

Stravinsky's serial works are generally much briefer than his tonal works but have a denser musical content.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

In the mid-1990's, the company lost money in the rice-cake business, which turned out to be a briefer-than-anticipated national obsession.

The New York Times

Despite a briefer-than-usual planning period, Ms. Uprichard said that, with help, she was able to program this festival as she wished, and that it already serves as a model of her intentions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the length of two distinct events or periods, use "briefer than" to clearly establish that one is shorter in duration than the other. For example, "The meeting was "briefer than" anticipated, allowing more time for individual work."

Common error

Avoid using "briefer than" when you actually mean 'less detailed' or 'less comprehensive'. "Briefer" specifically relates to time or length. Ensure the context truly concerns duration, and not the depth or breadth of information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "briefer than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its use in comparing the duration or length of two things, indicating that one is shorter in time or extent than the other. It helps establish a relative measure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "briefer than" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative phrase to indicate something is shorter in duration or length. Ludwig AI validates its usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While "shorter than" and "more concise than" serve as alternatives, "briefer than" is specific to temporal or length comparisons. When employing this phrase, ensure the context truly concerns time, and avoid using it for depth or breadth of information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shorter than

This alternative uses a more direct synonym for "briefer" focusing on length.

not as long as

This is a simple and commonly used alternative focusing on the dimension of length.

less lengthy than

This option emphasizes the lack of length as a defining characteristic.

less extended than

This option focuses on the extent or reach of something.

of shorter duration than

This phrase is more formal and highlights the concept of time duration.

of reduced length compared to

This is a formal construction, emphasizing the comparison of length.

not as protracted as

This option highlights that something is less prolonged or drawn out.

smaller in time span than

Focuses on the time span, making it suitable when discussing temporal aspects.

more succinct than

Similar to "more concise than" but carries a stronger emphasis on precise expression.

more concise than

This refers to being more to the point, rather than necessarily shorter in length.

FAQs

How can I use "briefer than" in a sentence?

Use "briefer than" to compare the length or duration of two items, indicating one is shorter. For example, "The presentation was "shorter than" expected."

What is a good alternative to "briefer than"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "briefer than" include "shorter than", "less lengthy than", or "more concise than".

Is "briefer than" grammatically correct?

Yes, "briefer than" is grammatically correct. It's a comparative form used to show that something has a shorter duration compared to something else.

When should I use "briefer than" instead of "shorter than"?

"Briefer than" is best used when referring to time or duration, while "shorter than" can apply to both time and physical length. Use "briefer than" for events or processes and "shorter than" for physical objects or abstract concepts.