short

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "short" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a small length, duration, or extent. Example: "The meeting was surprisingly short, lasting only fifteen minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Time is short.

The New York Times

"So I'm guessing you're coming up a little short in the 'good role model' department.

The Guardian

But time is running short.

The New York Times

They know the bank they're trading with may be taking the other side of the trade (in the Abacus deal, for instance, the flipbook said that Goldman might be short the securities).

The Economist

In the Runyon original, the tiny tot dances whenever she can, "holding her little short skirt up in her hands".

The Guardian - Film

His heroism had been forgotten, but doing something like this means you give the person whose life was cut short another chance, and you acknowledge the part their life played in the next chapter of your family's story".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

It was short-lived.

The New York Times - Sports

Bowing the knee to Angela Merkel would allow Greece to get access to the short-term finance that will allow it to pay its debts, but it will be political suicide for Syriza.

The Guardian - Business

Shell said pay for Van Beurden "reflects delivery of company strategy, measured by both short-term and long-term targets".

The Guardian

Feyenoord's joy was short-lived as Roma netted the winning goal only three minutes later when Gervinho slotted the ball past Kenneth Vermeer.

The Guardian - Sport

Because the money is a one-off and must be spent immediately, councils will use it largely to buy in extra services such as care agency support for people in their own homes and short-term places in residential homes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to physical dimensions, specify what is "short" relative to a standard or expectation for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "short" when you mean "shortly". "Short" describes a duration or length, while "shortly" means 'soon' or 'in a little while'. Incorrect: 'I will arrive short'. Correct: 'I will arrive shortly'.

Linguistic Context

The word "short" functions primarily as an adjective, describing a noun's limited length, duration, or height. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. Examples include "short story" and "short time". It can also function as an adverb, meaning abruptly, or as a noun, referring to a "short" film.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "short" is a versatile word with diverse applications, primarily functioning as an adjective to denote limited extent in space, time, or amount. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used. Its frequent appearance in News & Media reflects its ubiquitous nature. While seemingly simple, nuances exist, such as the distinction between "short" and "shortly". Employing "short" effectively involves considering context to ensure clarity, whether describing duration, physical dimensions, or deficiencies. By understanding its multiple roles and typical errors, writers can harness "short" to enhance precision and impact in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief

Implies a concise duration or length, focusing on the lack of unnecessary details.

concise

Emphasizes brevity and directness in communication or writing.

lacking

Indicates a deficiency or absence of something needed or expected.

deficient

Highlights an inadequacy or incompleteness in a particular aspect or quality.

inadequate

Suggests that something is not sufficient or suitable for a specific purpose or need.

nearby

Refers to close proximity or nearness in physical distance.

close by

Similar to nearby, emphasizing the short distance between two points.

abrupt

Describes something sudden and unexpected, often implying a lack of smoothness.

curt

Indicates a rude or brief manner of speaking or behaving.

limited

Highlights a restriction or constraint on quantity, extent, or duration.

FAQs

How can I use "short" in a sentence?

You can use "short" to describe a duration, length, or deficiency. For example, 'The meeting was "short"', 'He is "short" in stature', or 'We are "short" on supplies'.

What's a good alternative to using "short" to describe a lack of something?

Instead of "short", you could use alternatives like "deficient", "lacking", or "inadequate" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'I will be there short'?

No, it's not correct. The correct phrase is 'I will be there "shortly"', which means 'I will be there soon'.

What is the difference between "short" and "brief"?

"Short" generally refers to a limited extent in space or time, while "brief" often implies a concise and to-the-point communication or summary. A "short" story may refer to its length, while a "brief" explanation implies it's concise and clear.