briefly explain

USAGE SUMMARY

'briefly explain' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to provide a concise description of something. For example: "Can you briefly explain how the new software works?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Briefly explain.

Harvard University

Let me briefly explain.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Let me briefly explain our role.

Yale University

AHRENS: May I briefly explain this sketch to you?

Yale University

And I shall briefly explain why this is so.

Harvard University

I'll briefly explain the basics of both here.

Columbia University

Below, a complicated graphic that I'll briefly explain.

The Washington Post

Make a list and briefly explain why each is important.

The New York Times

List these and briefly explain why you choose them.

The New York Times

Allow me to briefly explain the tantalising plot.

The Guardian

First we briefly explain our view on phonology and phonetics.

Lingua

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "briefly explain", ensure the explanation remains comprehensive enough to convey essential information despite its brevity. Avoid oversimplification that sacrifices accuracy.

Common error

Avoid providing an explanation so brief that it becomes misleading or omits crucial details. Always balance conciseness with clarity and completeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "briefly explain" functions as an imperative, typically used to request someone to provide a concise and clear explanation of a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The examples demonstrate its role in various contexts, from academic discussions to news reporting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "briefly explain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to request a short and clear explanation. Ludwig AI confirms that is perfectly usable in written English. It is versatile, appearing across diverse contexts such as academia, news, and science. While it emphasizes conciseness, users should be mindful of maintaining clarity and avoiding oversimplification. Alternatives like "explain briefly" or "summarize" offer similar meanings, adaptable to various needs and should be taken into consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explain briefly

Inverts the word order for a slightly different emphasis.

explain in short

Highlights the conciseness of the explanation.

give a brief explanation

Uses a noun form of "explanation", adding a degree of formality.

in brief, explain

Adds an introductory element, emphasizing brevity.

elucidate concisely

Replaces "explain" with "elucidate", which indicates to make clear and easy to understand, also replacing "briefly" with "concisely" both of which indicate brevity.

summarize

Implies condensing information to its key points.

provide a concise account

Replaces "explain" with "provide a concise account", adding formality.

outline

Suggests providing a structured overview.

touch upon

Implies a light treatment of the subject.

go over quickly

Suggests a rapid review of the topic.

FAQs

How can I use "briefly explain" in a sentence?

You can use "briefly explain" to request a short and clear description of something. For example, "Could you "briefly explain" the main points of the article?"

What are some alternatives to "briefly explain"?

Alternatives include phrases like "explain briefly", "summarize", or "give a brief explanation", depending on the desired level of formality and detail.

Is it better to say "briefly explain" or "explain briefly"?

Both ""briefly explain"" and "explain briefly" are grammatically correct and understandable. The choice depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations, as they carry nearly identical meaning.

How does "briefly explain" differ from "elaborate"?

"Briefly explain" asks for a short, concise description, while "elaborate" invites a more detailed and extensive discussion. They are essentially opposites in terms of the level of detail requested.