somewhat brief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat brief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not very long or detailed, but still provides some information. Example: "The report was somewhat brief, but it covered the main points effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It begins with a somewhat brief recitation of the history of important research discoveries about meetings.

The Guardian

For now, it remains a somewhat pricey, somewhat brief retreat from reality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For a specific, although somewhat brief test period, it is demonstrated that an improved hindcast skill for near surface wind fields is obtained when this approach is adopted.

Coastal Engineering

(Mr. Schwartz's first marriage, to Sara Davidson, a writer, he calls "a somewhat brief and repugnant trial balloon"). He has two children.

The New York Times

Although Obama's reference to Dr King – "the preacher from Georgia" - was somewhat brief, the historical nature of this event was not lost.

The Guardian - Opinion

The tutorials in Art Gallery offer wonderful if somewhat brief formal explanations of how perspective works, how composition works, how color affects subject matter and how a work of art is restored.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The moment when S.K.D. Boulevard and Fair Oaks Avenue seemed to intersect for Americans was tellingly, and somewhat shamefully, brief.

The New Yorker

After a brief explanation of how the exchange of letters with Mendelssohn had originated, the main text goes on with a somewhat abbreviated version of the correspondence itself.

SEP

On the Eurofighter deal, despite the somewhat optimistic briefing, the prime minister will simply remind his Indian counterpart that the European offer stands if the French bid were to fall through.

BBC

I have just reframed the brief somewhat, so that instead of living off my cupboards, I am emptying them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Following sharp declines on Monday, prices for long-term issues slumped for much of the day but rallied somewhat in a brief flurry of dealer buying just before the close of the Chicago futures market.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat brief" when you want to indicate that something is shorter than average or expected, but not extremely so. It's a useful way to soften a potentially negative observation.

Common error

While "somewhat brief" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can make your writing sound less authoritative. Consider using more precise alternatives like "concise" or "abbreviated" when appropriate to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat brief" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the extent or duration of something, indicating it is shorter or less detailed than expected. Ludwig AI affirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat brief" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjectival phrase that indicates something is shorter or less extensive than expected. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its use across News & Media, Science, and Academia. While versatile, it's important to consider context and opt for more precise alternatives in highly formal writing. By using "somewhat brief" judiciously, you can effectively qualify descriptions and provide nuanced assessments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively short

Emphasizes a comparison to a standard or expected length.

fairly concise

Highlights the succinctness and lack of unnecessary detail.

moderately short

Indicates a length that is less than average but not extremely so.

slightly abbreviated

Focuses on the act of shortening something.

somewhat truncated

Suggests a more abrupt or forceful shortening.

rather limited

Shifts the focus to the scope or extent being restricted.

somewhat curtailed

Indicates a reduction or restriction in duration or extent.

kind of short

A more informal way of expressing a similar sentiment.

a bit short

Informal and emphasizes a slight lack of length.

somewhat fleeting

Emphasizes the characteristic of passing quickly.

FAQs

What does "somewhat brief" mean?

The phrase "somewhat brief" means something is shorter or less extensive than average or expected, but not extremely so. It indicates a moderate degree of brevity.

How can I use "somewhat brief" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat brief" to describe various things, such as a summary, a visit, or an explanation. For example, "The meeting was "somewhat brief", but we covered all the important points."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat brief"?

Alternatives to "somewhat brief" include "relatively short", "fairly concise", or "moderately short" depending on the specific context.

Is "somewhat brief" formal or informal?

"Somewhat brief" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more precise language may be preferable in highly formal writing.