keep it short

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep it short" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that someone should be concise and succinct in what they are saying or writing. For example, "Please keep it short in your email so that I can get through all the messages in my inbox."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Listen, keep it short.

The New Yorker

I'll keep it short.

The New York Times

Try to keep it short.

The New York Times - Tech

4 Keep it short.

The Guardian - Travel

Are you planning to keep it short?

The New York Times

"Keep it short," she hissed.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's best to keep it short".

The Guardian - Sport

One way is keep it short.

The New York Times

Lastly, keep it short.

TechCrunch

Remember to keep it short.

Huffington Post

And I keep it short.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In written communication, such as emails or reports, use "keep it short" as a reminder to be concise and respect the reader's time.

Common error

Avoid negating the effect of "keep it short" by immediately following it with lengthy explanations or justifications. Trust that your audience understands the need for brevity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it short" functions primarily as an imperative, urging someone to be concise. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's a direct way to suggest brevity in communication, applicable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep it short" is a grammatically correct and very common imperative used to advise or instruct someone to be concise. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability in written English. It's prevalent across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and wiki sources, suggesting a neutral to informal register. When using this phrase, it's essential to avoid negating its effect by over-explaining afterward. Alternatives like "be brief" or "get to the point" offer similar meanings while varying slightly in emphasis. Ultimately, the phrase serves to promote clarity and efficiency in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep it brief

Similar to "keep it short", but emphasizes a limited duration or length.

be brief

Focuses on the quality of being concise in speech or writing.

be concise

Highlights the importance of expressing much in few words.

get to the point

Emphasizes directness and avoiding unnecessary details.

cut to the chase

Suggests skipping introductory remarks and immediately addressing the main issue.

state it succinctly

Emphasizes expressing something in a clear and brief manner.

get straight to the point

Similar to "get to the point", but adds emphasis on immediacy.

make it snappy

Implies quickness and efficiency in delivering information.

stick to the essentials

Focuses on including only the most important information.

summarize

Focuses on providing a condensed version of something.

FAQs

How can I use "keep it short" in a sentence?

You can use "keep it short" as a direct instruction, such as "Please "keep it short" during your presentation". It can also be a general suggestion: "It's best to "keep it short" when networking".

What are some alternatives to saying "keep it short"?

Instead of "keep it short", you could say "be brief", "be concise", or "get to the point" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to tell someone to "keep it short"?

It's appropriate when time is limited, or when you want to emphasize the importance of clarity and directness. Use it in situations where lengthy explanations are unnecessary or counterproductive.

Is "keep it short and sweet" a common variation?

Yes, "keep it short and sweet" is a common variation that emphasizes not only brevity but also a pleasant and positive tone. It's often used in informal communication or when giving advice.