more terse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more terse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the brevity or conciseness of two or more statements or pieces of writing. Example: "The revised version of the report is more terse than the original, making it easier to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

In his concentration, Teperman grew more terse.

The New York Times - Magazine

More terse faxes went back and forth that afternoon.

The New York Times

Blagojevich is even more terse: "I want to make money".

The New York Times

When it comes to his own family, he is far more terse and evasive.

Independent

The owners of the ABC, CBS and NBC stations were a bit more terse.

The New York Times

To gain attention, headlines had to be ever bigger, blacker and more terse.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Released briefly in 1976, to scant acclaim from critics more attuned to terse, suave Mafiosi, it plays through May 9 at MOMA, in a new restoration.

The New Yorker

Moyes can be more brittle and terse on those occasions, but he has much more of a common touch with the people around football - staff, fans and the press.

Independent

Bitter experience shows that private rail investment is risky, but if high-speed schemes require public funding, they are likely to find the Treasury's response more than usually terse given today's straitened public finances.

The Economist

Ms. Rice used more diplomatic and terse language, reiterating the White House's view that if Russia wanted to be considered a respected member of the international community, it needed to honor its commitment to a peaceful settlement.

The New York Times

The more structured and terse the presentation of information, the more quickly and easily people can scan and comprehend it.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “more terse” to improve conciseness, especially when comparing different versions of a document or different communication styles.

Common error

Be mindful that while "more terse" implies brevity, it should not come at the expense of politeness or clarity. Ensure your message remains respectful and comprehensible, even as you aim for conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more terse" functions primarily as a comparative adjective. It is used to describe something as being shorter, more direct, or less elaborate than something else. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. This usage aligns with the examples provided, where "more terse" describes writing styles, responses, or explanations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more terse" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative adjective, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It indicates a greater degree of brevity and directness compared to something else. While commonly found in news and media, its application extends to encyclopedias and scientific writing, underlining its versatility. When using "more terse", aim for clarity and impact, ensuring your message remains polite and understandable. Alternatives such as "more concise" or "more succinct" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more concise

Emphasizes brevity and eliminating unnecessary details.

more succinct

Highlights brevity combined with clear and effective expression.

more brief

Focuses on shortness in duration or length of expression.

more compact

Suggests a tightly packed and efficient use of language.

more pithy

Implies a concise and forcefully expressive style.

more laconic

Describes a style of speaking or writing with very few words.

more summary

Conveys the provision of an abridged version.

more abbreviated

Indicates a shortened or contracted form.

more clipped

Implies a sharp, concise, and abrupt manner of speaking.

more condensed

Suggests a reduction in volume or size through compression.

FAQs

How can I use "more terse" in a sentence?

You can use "more terse" to compare two pieces of writing, stating that one is shorter and more direct than the other. For example, "The revised email was "more terse" than the original, getting straight to the point".

What's a good alternative to "more terse"?

Alternatives include "more concise", "more succinct", or "more brief". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to be "more terse"?

Being "more terse" is appropriate when you need to communicate information quickly and efficiently, and when the audience is familiar with the subject matter. In situations where brevity is valued, a "more terse" style can be effective.

What is the difference between "more terse" and "more concise"?

"More terse" emphasizes brevity and directness, sometimes to the point of being abrupt. "More concise", on the other hand, focuses on eliminating unnecessary details while maintaining clarity. So, "more concise" is about efficiency, while "more terse" can imply a blunt or clipped style.