terse

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'terse' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means "brief and to the point, using few words". For example, you might write, "The professor's response to the student's question was terse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His terse statement also suggested the NCAA might consider moving future events out of Indianapolis.

The Guardian - Sport

Rather, it was a terse order notifying locals of the city's intention to close the streets around the town hall to pedestrians from midday until around 2pm on Monday.

The Guardian - Film

In a terse statement, the new IRA said the victim was shot after it carried out "an investigation".

The Guardian

He answers questions not with terse reluctance but genuine intellectual engagement.

The Guardian - Books

Routh also complained that Kyle and Littlefield were terse with him and were not doing much shooting at the range.

The Guardian

That’s why I get hesitant in talking about it...’ You mean after what happened with your mum? ‘Yeah, that’s just a... closed book, you know what I mean?’ He’s speaking in a terse whisper now.

The Guardian - Film

The acting Labour leader, Harriet Harman, was terse when she was asked about the stone on BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

The Guardian

There were also revelations of a terse exchange when two of the hostages discussed what weapons they had, and how they might be able to use them against the gunman.

The Guardian

In a terse statement, the office of Ban Ki-moon, the secretary-general, declared the claims "not receivable" because of the organisation's privileges and immunities.Most scientists who have studied the matter have concluded that UN peacekeepers unwittingly brought cholera to Haiti in 2010.

The Economist

John Kerry, America's secretary of state, stood alone with neither Israelis nor Palestinians at his side as he read a terse statement announcing the resumption of talks between them after a three-year hiatus.

The Economist

Bitter experience shows that private rail investment is risky, but if high-speed schemes require public funding, they are likely to find the Treasury's response more than usually terse given today's straitened public finances.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate "terse" to create a sense of urgency or seriousness, as its concise nature can underscore the importance of the message.

Common error

Avoid using "terse" in situations where politeness and rapport are essential. While it means concise, it can come across as dismissive or impolite if not used carefully. Consider the audience and the context to ensure your message is well-received.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "terse" primarily functions to describe the quality of communication or expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something is brief, concise, and to the point, as demonstrated in many Ludwig examples where "terse" modifies words like 'statement' or 'response'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terse" is an adjective used to describe communication that is brief, concise, and to the point. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media, formal business, and science contexts. While efficient, it can sometimes imply abruptness, so consider your audience when using it. Alternatives include "concise", "succinct", and "brief", depending on the desired nuance. Remember to balance directness with politeness, especially in professional settings. The examples analyzed demonstrate "terse's" versatility in conveying information efficiently across different registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concise

Focuses on expressing much in few words, emphasizing efficiency in conveying information.

succinct

Highlights brevity and clarity in expression, cutting out unnecessary details.

brief

Emphasizes shortness in duration or extent, often implying a lack of detail.

laconic

Suggests a habitual brevity of speech, sometimes bordering on curtness.

curt

Indicates a rudely brief or abrupt manner, often lacking in politeness.

abrupt

Implies a sudden and unexpected shortness, potentially unsettling or impolite.

pithy

Focuses on being both brief and full of meaning or substance.

compact

Highlights the quality of being tightly packed and efficiently arranged.

summary

A brief statement or account of the main points of something.

to the point

Direct and without any extra information or discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "terse" in a sentence?

You can use "terse" to describe communication that is brief and direct. For example, "His response was "terse", but informative".

What are some synonyms for "terse"?

Alternatives to "terse" include "concise", "succinct", "brief", and "laconic". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to be "terse" in professional communication?

While brevity is often valued, being too "terse" can come across as rude. Strive for a balance between conciseness and politeness in professional settings.

What's the difference between "terse" and "curt"?

"Terse" means brief and to the point, while "curt" implies abruptness or rudeness. A "terse" statement can be efficient, but a "curt" one is often perceived negatively.