cursory explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cursory explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief or superficial explanation of a topic or concept. Example: "The report provided only a cursory explanation of the complex issue, leaving many questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Auditor fees were sometimes waived through with a cursory explanation and that is no longer adequate.

The Guardian - Business

New operations are presented at the top of each sheet, sometimes with sample problems and a cursory explanation.

The New York Times

But after a cursory explanation as to the origins of the Baltimore electro hip hop 'crew', he digs.

The Guardian - Music

For email length, 45% of writers want your pitch to be short and to-the-point (<100 words), and 43% wanted a cursory explanation (<200 words).

Harvard Business Review

We're told that Alma's anti-Semitism stems from her conviction that "rich banker-Jews" had "shut down the mines" in her Pennsylvania hometown, but this cursory explanation never really jibes with what we've been told about her family or her temperament.

The New York Times - Books

Rather than finding a cursory explanation for limited market data, energy may better be spent getting a more complete picture of the industry's health.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Rather, they consist of cursory explanations that seem designed more as a nod to colleagues who already know the subject than as a pedagogical guide to the notional "mathematically inclined reader".

The Economist

These "large-scale land acquisitions" (LSLAs) have been studied extensively; however, scholars have mainly focused on LSLAs' effects on "host" nations, providing only cursory explanations of "investor" nations' motivations.

Johns Hopkins University

The McDonald's story, unsurprisingly, is one of the most fascinating in the book, although it's only a slim volume and some of the more interesting points receive only the most cursory of explanations as a result.

The Guardian - Books

Really, this kind of training should be the responsibility of health care providers, but doctors and nurses often give only cursory, unsatisfactory explanations of complex tasks that fall to caregivers, said Carol Levine, director of the Families and Health Care Project of the United Hospital Fund.

The New York Times

The twist at the end is typical of men's airport books, hingeing as it does on the delineation of character being so superficial that there is no need even for the most cursory of psychological explanations as to why somebody behaves in a completely unexpected way.Patrick O'Brian is the purveyor of the thinking man's infonovel.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cursory explanation", be aware of the context and audience. If a deeper understanding is required, provide additional details or resources.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on a "cursory explanation" when introducing complex topics. Readers might misinterpret or miss crucial details, leading to confusion or incorrect assumptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cursory explanation" functions as a noun phrase, where 'cursory' modifies the noun 'explanation'. It describes the quality or nature of the explanation, indicating it is brief and superficial. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cursory explanation" is a noun phrase used to describe a brief and superficial account of something. Ludwig AI affirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across multiple domains including news, academia, and science. While the phrase itself has a neutral tone, it suggests a need for a more in-depth treatment of the subject if deeper comprehension is required. Alternative phrases like "brief overview" or "superficial account" can be used to convey similar meanings. When employing "cursory explanation", ensure the context and audience are aligned with the level of detail provided, and be ready to furnish additional information if necessary. Make it a point to not rely on "cursory explanations" for complex topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

superficial account

Emphasizes the lack of depth in the explanation, similar to "cursory explanation" but focusing on the content itself.

perfunctory description

Highlights the routine or indifferent manner in which the explanation is given, adding an element of apathy not necessarily present in "cursory explanation".

brief overview

Focuses on providing a general outline without detail, differing from the implication of superficiality in "cursory explanation".

minimal exposition

Stresses the scarcity of the explanation, focusing on brevity more than quality, differing subtly from "cursory explanation".

hasty clarification

Implies that the explanation was given quickly, possibly under pressure, whereas "cursory explanation" does not.

limited elaboration

Highlights the absence of detail, whereas "cursory explanation" could imply that the explanation was given, but was poor.

quick rundown

Suggests speed and informality in the explanation, differing from the potential lack of thoroughness in "cursory explanation".

short account

Focuses simply on the length of the explanation, without implying thoroughness or superficiality like "cursory explanation".

abridged version

Focuses on the shortened form of a fuller explanation, whereas "cursory explanation" may simply be shallow from the outset.

passing comment

Suggests an incidental remark, differing from the intent to explain even superficially that is present in "cursory explanation".

FAQs

What does "cursory explanation" mean?

A "cursory explanation" refers to an explanation that is brief, superficial, and lacking in detail. It skims the surface of a topic without delving into deeper complexities.

When is it appropriate to use a "cursory explanation"?

A "cursory explanation" can be appropriate when time is limited, the audience already has some familiarity with the topic, or a general overview is sufficient. However, avoid using it when detailed understanding is essential.

What are some alternatives to "cursory explanation"?

You can use alternatives like "brief overview", "superficial account", or "quick rundown" depending on the context.

How can I avoid giving a "cursory explanation" when more detail is needed?

To avoid a too superficial explanation, ensure you cover key aspects of the topic, provide supporting evidence or examples, and offer additional resources for further learning. If you don't have room to elaborate, flag it for further coverage.