speaking briefly

USAGE SUMMARY

"speaking briefly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to summarize an idea or express something succinctly. For example, "Speaking briefly, I can say that I am a firm believer in the power of education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

But speaking briefly in court on Thursday, Mr. Rosario said, "I never once tarnished my shield".

The New York Times

After speaking briefly with Sebastianelli, he took a flight to Columbus, Ohio.

The New York Times - Sports

James has told Leveson: "I recall speaking briefly to the prime minister.... about the proposal...

The Guardian

When Zimmer was surrounded by reporters later in the clubhouse, he hurried away after speaking briefly.

The New York Times - Sports

After speaking briefly to reporters in the cafe, they asked for them to leave.

The Guardian

Gradually, in spite of sporting a sporran and speaking briefly in a guttural Scottish accent, he becomes more sympathetic.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

They smiled and spoke briefly.

The New York Times - Sports

Robinson spoke briefly and succinctly.

The New York Times - Sports

Santos spoke briefly.

The New York Times

Mr. Stern spoke briefly.

The New York Times - Arts

McGovern spoke briefly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "speaking briefly" in formal writing, ensure it aligns with the tone and context of the piece; it's best suited for situations where succinctness is valued.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple sentences or paragraphs with "speaking briefly" as it can make your writing repetitive. Instead, vary your sentence structure by placing the phrase in different positions or using alternative phrases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speaking briefly" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which someone is speaking. It indicates that the act of speaking is concise and to the point. Ludwig AI confirms this based on the real-world examples found.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

17%

Sports

14%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "speaking briefly" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate a short and concise delivery of information. Ludwig AI identifies its common usage in news and media, sports, and formal contexts. While generally neutral in register, it leans slightly towards formality. For alternatives, consider "discussing briefly" or "addressing briefly". To avoid overuse, vary your sentence structure and avoid starting consecutive sentences with the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

speak briefly

Omits the present participle, focusing on the act of speaking succinctly.

spoke briefly

Uses the past tense of 'speak', indicating a completed action of brief communication.

talk briefly

Replaces "speaking" with "talk", focusing on informal conversation for a limited time.

discussing briefly

Highlights a concise discussion on a specific subject.

addressing briefly

Highlights the action of addressing a topic or person concisely.

referring briefly

Focuses on the act of mentioning something quickly, with less emphasis on the act of speaking.

engaging briefly

Focuses on short interaction or involvement.

participating briefly

Emphasizes a short involvement in a conversation or discussion.

listening briefly

Indicates a short period of attention or hearing.

intervention briefly

Focuses on a short involvement or contribution.

FAQs

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

You can use "speaking briefly" to introduce a concise statement, such as, "Speaking briefly, the main issue is a lack of funding."

What are some alternatives to "speaking briefly"?

Alternatives include "discussing briefly", "addressing briefly", or simply stating that you will "speak briefly".

Is it better to say "speaking briefly" or "talking briefly"?

Both "speaking briefly" and "talking briefly" are acceptable. "Speaking" is generally considered more formal, while "talking" is more informal.

What's the difference between "speaking briefly" and "speaking succinctly"?

"Speaking briefly" refers to the short duration of the speech, while "speaking succinctly" focuses on the clarity and conciseness of the message, regardless of its length.