it was brief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was brief" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was short in duration or concise in content. Example: "The meeting was scheduled for an hour, but it was brief, lasting only 20 minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was brief.

The Economist

It was brief, too.

The Economist

It was brief solace.

The New York Times - Sports

It was brief, two minutes.

The New York Times

It was brief and irresistible.

The New York Times - Food

It was brief and cordial".

The New York Times

It was brief and joyful: "Hello, world!".

The Guardian

But it was brief, late and hugely insufficient.

The Guardian

It was brief but gave me renewed hope.

The New York Times

If there was any let up, it was brief.

Independent

"It was brief and confusing," the reporter said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was brief" to emphasize the conciseness or shortness of an event, interaction, or piece of communication. This can add impact and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid starting sentences with "it was brief" when the subject is not immediately clear. Instead, clearly state the subject first to prevent confusion. For example, instead of "It was brief," write "The meeting was brief."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was brief" primarily functions as a statement or assertion, indicating that something (the 'it') had a short duration or was concise. This aligns with Ludwig AI indicating the phrase is correct. Examples show its use across various contexts to describe short events, messages, or periods.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was brief" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something of short duration or concise nature. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable. Its primary function is to convey brevity across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing sufficient context for the subject it refers to. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "it was short" or "it was concise" to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it didn't last long

Focuses on the duration and its lack of length.

it was short-lived

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the subject.

it was a short period

Highlights the duration being minimal.

it didn't take much time

Shifts focus to time investment being small.

it was momentary

Stresses the fleeting instance of occurrence.

it passed quickly

Highlights swift passage or occurrence.

it was a flash

Emphasizes the speed and transience.

it was concise

Focuses on brevity in communication or expression.

it was succinct

Highlights the quality of being briefly and clearly expressed.

it was truncated

Implies that something was cut short or abbreviated.

FAQs

What does "it was brief" mean?

"It was brief" means that something was of short duration, concise, or succinct. It implies a lack of length or detail.

How can I use "it was brief" in a sentence?

You can use "it was brief" to describe a short meeting, a concise message, or a fleeting moment. For example, "The speech "it was brief" and to the point."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was brief"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it was short", "it was concise", "it was fleeting", or "it didn't last long", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "it was brief"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "it was brief", but ensure that the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Otherwise, it might be better to specify the subject first for clarity.