is briefed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is briefed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has been given information or instructions about a particular subject or situation. Example: "Before the meeting, the team is briefed on the project's current status and objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Photograph: In Rio, Obama is briefed on Libya.

The New Yorker

Congress is briefed on every drone strike, he said.

The Guardian

President Bush is briefed by Michael (Brownie) Brown during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

The New Yorker

After celebrating Mass, Archbishop Rafael Romo is briefed on the arrest by a whispering aide.

The Guardian

She is briefed that, for one of the TV debates, she may be teamed up with Labour's Angela Eagle.

The Guardian - Books

Let me repeat that:  Not only did Congress authorize the use of force, it is briefed on every strike that America takes.

The New York Times

At these sessions, held at One Police Plaza, in a room known as the executive command center, Kelly is briefed on overnight developments related to terrorism.

The New Yorker

"C.I.A. officers are there and they are trying to make new sources and recruit people," said one Arab intelligence official who is briefed regularly by American counterparts.

The New York Times

"We just received some off the record information from a VERY reputable source who is briefed daily, that there may be other attacks this weekend".

The New York Times

Rogers jumps in and says the committee is briefed on "activities that are sensitive to the national security of the United States" including "sources and methods".

The Guardian

And then Congress is briefed – in secret, of course – about the "dozens" of terrorist plots such industrial-scale espionage has stopped.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is briefed" when you want to emphasize that someone has received specific, often crucial, information or instructions, particularly in professional or formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "is briefed" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is told" or "is informed" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is briefed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of information. It is commonly used to describe a situation where someone receives a detailed explanation or instructions, as shown in Ludwig's examples involving presidents and officials.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is briefed" is a common and grammatically correct passive voice construction used to indicate that someone has received specific, often crucial, information. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. While generally appropriate for neutral to formal registers, it should be used judiciously in informal settings. For example, you can use "is informed" or "is updated" if the intention is simply to convey that someone received some news. Ludwig's examples showcase its widespread use in describing official briefings and structured information delivery, further underscoring its reliability and acceptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is given a briefing

Highlights the act of receiving a formal presentation or summary.

is brought up to speed

Emphasizes quickly getting someone acquainted with the current situation.

is informed

A more formal and direct synonym, emphasizing the act of informing someone.

is advised

Suggests receiving counsel or recommendations along with information.

is updated

Implies receiving the latest information, focusing on currency and relevance.

receives information

Uses a more general term for getting information, suitable for various contexts.

is made aware

Focuses on bringing something to someone's attention.

is told

A simple and direct way of indicating that someone received information.

is filled in

An informal way of saying someone is given necessary details.

is apprised of

A more formal and less common way to say someone is informed.

FAQs

How can I use "is briefed" in a sentence?

Use "is briefed" to indicate that someone has received essential information or instructions, such as: "The president "is briefed" daily on security matters."

What's the difference between "is briefed" and "is informed"?

"Is briefed" suggests a more formal and structured delivery of information, often involving a presentation or detailed report. "Is informed" is more general and can refer to any instance of receiving information.

What can I say instead of "is briefed"?

You can use alternatives like "is informed", "is updated", or "is given a briefing" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is briefed" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "is briefed" in formal writing, news reports, or professional communications when you want to emphasize that someone received specific and important information, often in a structured manner.