taking a brief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking a brief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of summarizing or reviewing information, often in a professional or legal context. Example: "Before the meeting, I will be taking a brief to ensure I understand all the key points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I adore running in the heat," he said, taking a brief pause from his jog.

The New York Times

You jump-start the app by taking a brief survey, after which the recommendations can begin.

The New York Times - Tech

"Only taking a brief study break for a shave, but here's a reader email as requested.

The Guardian - Sport

Unlike my friend, I wasn't uprooting my life, just taking a brief leave.

The New York Times

IS taking a brief vacation from spousal judgment a sign of marital decay?

The New York Times

Taking a brief respite from recording Ween's next album, Gene is performing a string of solo acoustic dates.

The New Yorker

"This is a pretty lax day," Tim Vickers said, taking a brief break from cutting and weighing fish.

The New York Times

Stopping at a motorway service station was like taking a brief excursion into an eastern European prison catering facility.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Taking a brief break from a day of hectic campaigning, Odeh said: "The ultimate goal is to get out Netanyahu.

The Guardian

Georgia 13-111, 6-5) has lost three straight since taking a brief lead in the SEC East.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Take a brief rest.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking a brief" to clearly indicate a short period dedicated to a specific task, such as reviewing information or having a short rest. This phrase is especially useful in professional or formal contexts.

Common error

While "taking a brief" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "taking a short break" or "pausing for a moment" may be more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking a brief" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun or part of a larger verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the action of performing something quickly or for a short duration. It can modify nouns or serve as the subject or object of a sentence, as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Arts

2%

Sports

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking a brief" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a short period dedicated to a particular activity, such as reviewing information or having a short rest. Ludwig AI's analysis highlights its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While suitable for neutral to formal settings, it should be used sparingly in very informal contexts, where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. The phrase's primary function is to convey conciseness and efficiency, making it useful in scenarios where brevity is valued.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a short break

Highlights a temporary cessation of activity, rather than focused attention.

having a quick look

Focuses on the action of glancing quickly rather than an extended engagement.

doing a swift review

Replaces "taking" with "doing" and "brief" with "swift", emphasizing speed and action.

taking a quick glance

Focuses on the act of visually inspecting something rapidly.

pausing momentarily

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the interruption.

enjoying a small respite

Emphasizes the restorative nature of the short period.

conducting a short analysis

Implies a more formal and structured examination.

completing a fast perusal

Describes reading through something quickly and superficially.

making a small digression

Highlights the act of straying from the main topic briefly.

allowing a short recess

Suggests an official or scheduled interruption.

FAQs

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

You can use "taking a brief" to describe a short pause or quick review, such as "After lunch, I'm "taking a brief" look at the report." or "She is "taking a brief" rest before continuing her work."

What is a good alternative to "taking a brief"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "having a short break", "pausing momentarily", or "doing a swift review".

Is it correct to say "take a brief" instead of "taking a brief"?

While "take a brief" can be grammatically correct in certain constructions (e.g. "Let's take a brief look"), ""taking a brief"" functions as a gerund phrase, often describing an ongoing or habitual action. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "taking a brief break" and "taking a brief"?

"Taking a brief break" specifically refers to a pause or rest. "Taking a brief" is more general and can refer to any short activity, such as a review, examination, or pause.