brusque way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brusque way" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a manner of speaking or behaving that is abrupt or curt, often perceived as rude or unfriendly. Example: "She responded in a brusque way, leaving no room for further discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

In his brusque way, he rejects the appellation of hero.

The New York Times

And, in his own brusque way, Losey changed England and its attitude to the movies.

The Guardian - Film

The MoMA curator Klaus Biesenbach summed up the silent part in his brusque way, deeming it "an intense hour" and "a metaphor for the film festival".

The New York Times

And the French in their characteristically brusque way have said that "it is out of the question that there would be any renegotiations".

The Guardian - Opinion

Then I asked if he liked the restaurant business, and in the same brusque way he said, "It isn't much, but it sure is better than doing nothing".

The New Yorker

The traditionally Atlanticist Poles felt sidelined not just by the policy implications of Mr Obama's "reset" of relations with Russia, but by the brusque way in which they were told to play along.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In the past, I had attributed Edith's brusque ways to a kind of cantankerousness.

Huffington Post

The movie is, literally, a tough act to follow, thanks to the brusque, undemonstrative way in which Haneke chops from one subplot to the next.

The New Yorker

That was her way; it was her nature, people said, compensation for her brusque manner.

The New Yorker

You may also dislike its brusque military style.

The New York Times - Tech

"They're much more brusque about calling it the way they see it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brusque way" when you want to describe a manner that is not only direct but also somewhat rude or off-putting. Ensure the context warrants a term stronger than simply 'direct' or 'efficient'.

Common error

Avoid using "brusque way" when you simply mean someone is efficient or direct. "Brusque" carries a negative connotation of rudeness, so it's inappropriate if the intent is to convey efficiency without negativity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brusque way" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. It indicates a manner that is abrupt, curt, and often perceived as unfriendly, as shown in Ludwig examples from news and media.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brusque way" is an adverbial phrase used to describe a manner that is abrupt and curt, often perceived negatively. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and best used when highlighting not just directness, but also a lack of warmth or consideration. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, making it appropriate for general communication, though care should be taken in formal settings. If you're aiming for mere efficiency without the negative connotation, consider alternatives like "direct approach". Always consider the context to determine if the potentially negative connotation of the expression is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

curt manner

Focuses more on the shortness of the interaction, implying a lack of politeness or friendliness.

abrupt fashion

Highlights the suddenness and unexpectedness of the behavior.

blunt style

Emphasizes the directness and lack of subtlety in communication.

terse approach

Implies a concise and often unfriendly method of dealing with situations.

sharp tone

Refers specifically to the quality of voice and its potential to be off-putting.

gruff demeanor

Suggests a rough and unfriendly outward appearance or behavior.

rough manner

Emphasizes the lack of refinement and potential for causing offense.

curtly

This is an adverb, so it modifies a verb, rather than describing a noun.

clipped tone

Indicates a way of speaking that is fast and without warmth.

impatiently

Suggests a lack of tolerance and a desire for quick results.

FAQs

How can I use "brusque way" in a sentence?

You can use "brusque way" to describe someone's manner or approach, such as: "He dismissed the question in a "brusque way", making it clear he didn't want to discuss it further."

What is a similar phrase to "brusque way"?

Similar phrases include "curt manner", "abrupt fashion", or "blunt style", which all suggest a direct and somewhat impolite way of behaving.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as having a "brusque way" in professional communication?

While accurate if their behavior fits the description, using "brusque way" can be perceived as critical. Consider more neutral alternatives like "direct approach" or "concise manner" to avoid offense.

What's the difference between "brusque way" and "direct way"?

"Direct way" implies straightforwardness, while "brusque way" suggests a directness that is also abrupt and potentially rude. The key difference lies in the added element of rudeness or lack of tact in the latter.