briefly mentioned

USAGE SUMMARY

"briefly mentioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that has been only briefly alluded to or discussed. For example: "In the report, several strategies were mentioned, but one was only briefly mentioned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some Aristotelian examples may be briefly mentioned.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(His 2011 statement briefly mentioned the topic).

The New York Times

Two further technical senses of intuition may be briefly mentioned.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Playing at New Meadowlands Stadium was also briefly mentioned.

The New York Times

Then, toward the end of his comments, he briefly mentioned the Women on 20s campaign.

The New Yorker

Briefly mentioned in Glen's article is one of Sunderland's most important cultural and musical institutions.

The Guardian

Kim Jongerius Orange City, Iowa MacFarquhar briefly mentioned the changing demographic of Orange City's farmworkers.

The New Yorker

Only briefly mentioned is a major impediment: the mandatory chastity vow and ban on marriage.

The New York Times

More on William Gilpin, the original of Dr Syntax, whom I briefly mentioned last week.

The Guardian - Books

In his concession speech Mr McCain briefly mentioned the hot-poker subject of immigration.

Independent

I BRIEFLY mentioned the latest trade numbers in the previous post.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "briefly mentioned" when you want to acknowledge a topic without delving into extensive detail. It's useful for overviews or introductions where a fuller discussion will follow elsewhere.

Common error

Avoid using "briefly mentioned" excessively, as it can make your writing seem dismissive or lacking depth. If a topic is significant, consider dedicating more space to it instead of just a passing reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "briefly mentioned" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a topic was acknowledged but not explored in detail. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It serves to introduce a subject without committing to an exhaustive discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "briefly mentioned" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that a topic was acknowledged but not extensively discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability across various writing styles and contexts. It is best used to introduce topics without deep dives or when detailed discussions are available elsewhere. While very common, writers should avoid overusing it to maintain depth and engagement. Alternatives include "briefly referred", "touched upon", and "alluded to", offering nuanced ways to express concise references. Its neutral register makes it suitable for academic, journalistic, and general writing. Ludwig’s examples demonstrate its versatility and reliability in conveying brevity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

briefly referred

Replaces "mentioned" with "referred", implying a concise reference.

briefly noted

Substitutes "mentioned" with "noted", indicating a short observation.

touched upon

Uses a different verb to convey a light or surface-level discussion.

alluded to

Replaces with a verb suggesting an indirect reference.

mentioned in passing

Adds "in passing" for emphasis on the brevity of the mention.

gave a brief mention

Changes the structure to emphasize the act of giving a mention.

lightly touched on

Highlights the casual and superficial nature of the discussion.

fleetingly mentioned

Emphasizes the transient nature of the mention.

cursory reference

Uses a noun phrase to describe the brief mention as a reference.

made a quick remark about

Shifts focus to the action of making a remark, specifying its speed.

FAQs

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

You can use "briefly mentioned" to indicate that a topic was touched upon without extensive discussion. For example, "The report "briefly mentioned" the new policy changes but did not elaborate on them."

What are some alternatives to "briefly mentioned"?

Alternatives include "briefly referred", "touched upon", or "alluded to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "briefly mentioned" in formal writing?

Yes, "briefly mentioned" is suitable for formal writing when you need to acknowledge a topic concisely without going into detail. It is a neutral and professional phrase.

How does "briefly mentioned" differ from "thoroughly discussed"?

"Briefly mentioned" implies a short, superficial reference, while "thoroughly discussed" suggests an in-depth analysis and comprehensive examination of the topic.