speak briefly

USAGE SUMMARY

"speak briefly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to encourage someone to speak concisely and concisely when they are speaking to a group or in a presentation. For example, "Please remember to speak briefly - try to get your point across in as few words as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They speak, briefly, and part.

The New Yorker

She allowed the boys to speak briefly with Melida.

The New Yorker

Can you speak briefly about the University goals for innovation and specifically in encouraging joint ventures?

Princeton University

Blake Gardens Manager Lauri Twitchell will speak briefly about her work as a book artist.

University of California, Berkeley

So I just want to speak briefly with you about a couple of issues.

The Washington Post

Daleiden even managed to speak briefly, camera running, with Richards, the group's president.

The Washington Post

Afterward, McPhee visited the locker room to speak briefly with Holtby, who stopped 30 shots.

The New York Times - Sports

You speak, briefly, in two tones of voice, one groany, one light.

The New York Times

(He did speak briefly to ESPN during the draft last Thursday).

The New York Times - Sports

That day, his father ducked into a quiet office to speak briefly of Jefferson.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Relax during silence speak briefly only after you are asked for information then stop talking and wait.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to be concise, use "speak briefly" to set clear expectations for brevity. For example, "Each presenter will speak briefly, allowing time for questions."

Common error

While "speak briefly" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in extremely formal contexts. Instead, consider alternatives like "address concisely" or "summarize succinctly" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speak briefly" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to request or instruct someone to be concise and to-the-point in their speech. It implies a need for brevity and efficiency in communication, as Ludwig's examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

34%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "speak briefly" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for encouraging concise and efficient communication. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for a variety of contexts, from news reports and academic discussions to everyday conversations. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the audience and setting when choosing this phrase; in highly formal situations, alternatives like "address concisely" or "summarize succinctly" may be more appropriate. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its versatility and widespread use across diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

summarize briefly

Highlights giving a short summary of something.

talk concisely

Focuses on being succinct in speech, highlighting brevity.

comment briefly

Focuses on making a short commentary or remark.

mention succinctly

Highlights the act of mentioning something in a concise manner.

address concisely

Emphasizes the act of addressing a topic directly and without unnecessary detail.

state succinctly

Refers to expressing something clearly and in few words.

discuss succinctly

Refers to having a discussion in a brief and clear manner.

touch upon lightly

Indicates a brief exploration of a topic without deep analysis.

outline quickly

Emphasizes providing a rapid overview or summary.

recap quickly

Focuses on providing a quick recap or review.

FAQs

How can I use "speak briefly" in a sentence?

You can use "speak briefly" to ask someone to be concise, such as "Please "speak briefly" so we have time for everyone to share".

What are some alternatives to "speak briefly"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "summarize briefly", "address concisely", or "comment briefly".

Is it better to say "speak briefly" or "talk briefly"?

Both ""speak briefly"" and "talk briefly" are acceptable, but "speak briefly" might be perceived as slightly more formal.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "speak briefly"?

It is appropriate to use "speak briefly" in meetings, presentations, or any situation where time is limited and conciseness is valued.