explain briefly

USAGE SUMMARY

'explain briefly' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when asking someone to summarize a complex topic or idea in a concise manner. For example, "Please explain briefly the main points of the lesson."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We will explain briefly this result as well.

University of California, Berkeley

May I explain briefly why I could not examine him before the Commission?

Yale University

The comments in this file explain, briefly, the meaning of the fields in this file.

Columbia University

AMEN: And will you explain briefly the responsibility of the principal departments of the Abwehr under Admiral Canaris?

Yale University

Once the web is complete, allow time to explain briefly an overview of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

The New York Times

For reasons that I explain briefly, the resolution of that legal defense would require me to make an important policy determination in rushed circumstances.

Harvard University

Distribute a single-page memo, but this time list the supervisors' recommendations; next to each one, explain briefly why it was accepted or rejected.

Harvard Business Review

Yet it has happened, and, as I try to explain briefly in the book, why it happened is harder to understand than you might think.

The New Yorker

If you're interested in taking part, please post a comment below and explain briefly why the videos' producers should pick you.

The New York Times

So if you're interested in being part of this exciting conversation please post below and explain briefly why we should pick you.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A: At a certain point [on the Petty tour], I had a revelation about a bunch of things, which is hard to explain [briefly]...

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain briefly", ensure the context allows for a simplified explanation. If detailed understanding is required, opt for a more thorough approach.

Common error

Avoid using "explain briefly" when the topic demands a thorough explanation. Providing too little detail can lead to misunderstanding or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain briefly" functions as a request or instruction for someone to provide a concise explanation. It sets the expectation that the explanation should be short and to the point. Ludwig AI validates the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

32%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explain briefly" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to request a concise explanation or summary. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across academia, news, science, and more informal contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider if the topic demands a more detailed explanation instead of an over-simplified one. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "summarize quickly" or "outline succinctly" to tailor your request to the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

summarize quickly

This alternative emphasizes the speed and conciseness of the explanation.

outline succinctly

This alternative is more formal and highlights the structural aspect of the explanation.

describe concisely

This alternative focuses on providing a compact and efficient description.

give a quick overview

This alternative suggests a less detailed and more general explanation.

present a short summary

This alternative emphasizes the brevity of the presented information.

recapitulate briefly

This alternative implies a review of previously mentioned information in a short way.

run through quickly

This alternative is less formal and suggests a casual and rapid explanation.

touch upon lightly

This alternative suggests that the explanation will not delve into detail.

cover the main points

This alternative emphasizes that only the most important aspects will be explained.

walk me through quickly

This alternative emphasizes quick and practical demonstration.

FAQs

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

You can use "explain briefly" when requesting a concise explanation, as in, "Could you "explain briefly" the main steps of the process?"

What's a more formal way to ask someone to "explain briefly"?

For a more formal request, you could ask someone to "outline succinctly" or "summarize quickly" the key points.

Is it appropriate to use "explain briefly" in academic writing?

Yes, it is acceptable in academic writing, especially when introducing a concept that will be elaborated on later. However, ensure the initial explanation provides sufficient context for understanding.

What can I say instead of "explain briefly" in an email?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "give a quick overview", "recapitulate briefly", or "cover the main points".