debrief something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "debrief something" is used in written English.
This phrase is usually used to refer to a process of giving and receiving detailed information about a particular event or topic. For example: After the mission was complete, the team gathered for a debrief to discuss their successes and challenges.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"For that to happen, you have to work very hard with the offender to understand the RJ conference, including debriefing afterwards – something that happens very well under Project Restore in New Zealand, for instance, but that doesn't always happen here where the focus is more on the victim," she explains.

Independent

At his press debriefing afterwards Van Gaal looked as if something disgusting was lodged under his nose.

The Guardian - Sport

In fact, after the experiment, when we debriefed them, they all reported the sensation that "something was going on", even during the sham condition.

Plosone

But Heat is about celebrity, The Debrief is not trying to be Heat for 20-somethings.

The Guardian

Nichols, who described herself as "something between room mother, mayor, commander, confessor, debriefer and homemade bread maker," has opened her home to Rouda volunteers every Sunday since the end of August.

Los Angeles Times

"That's something we've spoken about in the team debrief.

BBC

If something did happen, good follow-up care and debriefing for fellow patients, staff and next of kin is important.

BMC Health Services Research

These interventions might also address the emotional support and debriefing needs of nurses caring for patients with advanced disease, something which should not be underestimated in a context such as South Africa.

BMJ Open

The director of human resources at the travel agent's company told me that she had arranged the debriefing session because "it made me feel that I was doing something for the employees".

The New Yorker

When I debriefed the hiring manager later, he told me there was "just something I really liked about her".

Science Magazine

Bauer Media is the latest mainstream UK publisher to jump on the social mobile bandwagon, unveiling plans for The Debrief, a multiplatform digital brand aimed at "constantly connected, influential ABC1 20-something women".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow up a debriefing session with written documentation of key discussion points and agreed-upon actions for future reference.

Common error

Avoid using "debrief" when you mean "brief". "Debrief" refers to a post-event review, while "brief" means to inform someone beforehand. Using them interchangeably can cause confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "debrief something" functions as a verb phrase where "debrief" acts as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (the "something") to complete its meaning. The function is to review or analyze a specific topic or situation, often after an event or task.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "debrief something" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of reviewing and analyzing a specific topic or event. However, it's relatively infrequent and often more precise to specify what or who is being debriefed, such as "debrief the team" or "debrief the incident". While the term is understood across various contexts, it's most commonly found in news, academic, and scientific discussions, aligning with the analysis provided by Ludwig. Understanding the nuances of this phrase and its alternatives can enhance clarity and precision in both spoken and written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Summarize something

Focuses on providing a concise overview, omitting the detailed analysis aspect of debriefing.

Review something

Emphasizes examining something again, potentially for correction or improvement, rather than a post-event analysis.

Analyze something

Highlights a detailed examination and interpretation, differing from the broader scope of a debrief.

Report on something

Implies providing a formal account or statement, differing from the interactive and analytical nature of a debrief.

Assess something

Focuses on evaluating or judging the value of something, shifting away from the review aspect of debriefing.

Evaluate something

Suggests determining the significance or condition of something, differentiating from a post-action review.

Examine something

Highlights a close inspection, differing from the summary and analysis components of debriefing.

Go over something

Emphasizes reviewing or rehearsing, lacking the formal analysis of a debrief.

Recap something

Focuses on giving a summary of what has been said; omits analysis and interpretation.

Rehash something

Implies discussing something that has already been talked about extensively. There is negative connotation compared to simply analyzing again.

FAQs

How do I use "debrief something" in a sentence?

While "debrief something" is grammatically correct, it's more common to specify who is being debriefed or what specific event is being debriefed about. Examples include "debrief the team" or "debrief the incident".

What can I say instead of "debrief something"?

Alternatives include "summarize something", "review something", or "analyze something", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it more common to "debrief someone" or "debrief something"?

It's generally more common to "debrief someone" (a person or team) after an event. "Debrief something" is used when the focus is on the event or project being reviewed, but this is less typical.

What's the purpose of a debriefing session?

A debriefing session aims to review an event, project, or mission to identify lessons learned, improve future performance, and share insights among participants. It helps in the systematic analysis of what happened, why, and how to improve.