talked briefly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "talked briefly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a conversation or discussion that was short in duration. Example: "During the meeting, we talked briefly about the upcoming project deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We've talked briefly.

The New York Times

We only talked briefly.

The Guardian - Film

We talked briefly about that".

The New York Times

They talked briefly about current events.

The New Yorker

He talked briefly about Iranian intellectuals.

The New Yorker

"They talked briefly," Ms. Danielides said.

The New York Times

He talked briefly about his first trip to Africa.

The New York Times

We talked briefly about Frisbee golf, his game of choice.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

We'll talk briefly.

The Guardian - Sport

Let's talk briefly about specifics.

The New York Times

And we'll talk briefly about the Capital Asset Pricing Model.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "talked briefly", consider adding context about the topic or purpose of the conversation to provide more clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "talked briefly" without providing any details about the conversation. Vary your language and add specifics to keep the writing engaging and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "talked briefly" functions as a verb phrase indicating a short conversation. Examples from Ludwig, such as "They talked briefly about current events", demonstrate its use in describing interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "talked briefly" is a grammatically sound and common way to describe a short conversation. According to Ludwig, it is widely used in news and media, formal business contexts, and even in scientific writing. While versatile, providing context around the conversation's topic is crucial for clarity. Considering alternatives like "spoke concisely" or "had a brief discussion" can enhance your writing and prevent overuse. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is clear and serves its purpose effectively in describing short exchanges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had a brief discussion

Emphasizes that the talking has been a discussion and it was short.

spoke concisely

Emphasizes the brevity and conciseness of the conversation.

exchanged a few words

Highlights the limited number of words exchanged during the conversation.

chatted shortly

Highlights the informal and short nature of the conversation.

had a fleeting conversation

Emphasizes the short and passing nature of the conversation.

conversed briefly

A more formal alternative, emphasizing the act of conversing for a short time.

addressed succinctly

Highlights the conciseness of the address.

had a quick word

Focuses on having a short and possibly important exchange.

touched base

Implies a brief communication to check in or update on something.

made a short address

Implies a short speech or formal speaking.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "talked briefly"?

You can use alternatives like "spoke concisely", "chatted shortly", or "had a brief discussion" depending on the context.

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

You can use "talked briefly" to describe a short conversation, for example: "We "talked briefly" about the project during the meeting."

What does "talked briefly" imply about the conversation?

"Talked briefly" implies that the conversation was short in duration and may not have covered extensive details. It suggests a concise exchange of information.

Is "talked briefly" formal or informal?

"Talked briefly" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and situation.