terse manner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terse manner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a way of speaking or writing that is brief and to the point, often lacking in elaboration or detail. Example: "The manager communicated his feedback in a terse manner, leaving no room for discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Gordon's terse manner can appear standoffish.

The New Yorker

"Imagine a Browning monologue rewritten in the terse manner of Sam Shepard," the poet David Wojahn wrote in The New York Times Book Review in 1986, "and you have a good idea of what an Ai poem sounds like".

The New York Times - Books

Emailed by the website Ars Technica about the problem, Jobs responded in his normal terse manner: "Just avoid holding it in that way," he wrote - a response from Jobs that was received by a number of gadget review sites and customers in the US.

The Guardian - Tech

The terse manner in which "60 Minutes" handled the "correction" Sunday night follows the cavalier way in which the program handled questions about Davies' credibility for a week, only admitting the mistake after the revelation of a second conflicting account.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

These were, after all, the last years of the Cold War, and the terse, skeptical manner of another Greek historian — Thucydides, who chronicled the Peloponnesian War, between Athens and Sparta, two generations later — seemed far more congenial.

The New Yorker

A senior American official said recently that Mr. Arafat never cottoned to Mr. Barak's terse military manner, and that the Americans constantly find themselves trying to interpret Mr. Barak's intentions to Mr. Arafat.

The New York Times

Sullivan was noted and teased for his terse way of introducing guest performers; his usually reserved manner won him the sobriquet "the Great Stone Face".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ritt's commands are terse and monosyllabic.

The New Yorker

In the movie, as Agent K, his terse and definitive manner upends the obvious.

The New Yorker

The doubts were fed by the terse, seemingly evasive manner of his understated English trainer, who said after the workout: "It was a nice trot".

The New York Times - Sports

Dressed in black, with a glinting nose stud and a terse yet thoughtful manner, he suggested less a Libeskind or a Piano than someone who might chain himself to a fence at a work site.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and efficiency, use "terse manner" to describe communication that is brief and to the point. Be mindful of the context, as it can sometimes imply a lack of warmth or consideration.

Common error

While "terse manner" effectively conveys brevity, overusing it can lead to misinterpretations. Ensure that you are not sacrificing politeness or necessary details for the sake of conciseness, especially in sensitive situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terse manner" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the way in which an action is performed or a communication is delivered. It describes the style or approach as being brief and direct, often implying a lack of elaboration or detail. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terse manner" is a phrase used to describe communication or actions that are brief and to the point. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English. Although relatively uncommon, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica. While effective for conveying efficiency, it's essential to use it judiciously, as it can sometimes imply a lack of warmth or consideration. Related phrases like "concise style" or "brief style" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. Be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation, and prioritize clarity and politeness in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terse communication style

Highlights communication as a style, maintaining the core meaning but making it more specific to how information is conveyed.

short manner

A more direct way to convey the idea of succinct behavior.

brief style

Emphasizes shortness and lack of detail in the way something is done or expressed.

concise style

Focuses on brevity and clarity in expression, removing the potential negative connotation of abruptness.

succinct demeanor

Implies a brief and clearly expressed attitude or behavior.

abrupt approach

Highlights the suddenness and directness of the method, possibly implying a lack of tact.

curt tone

Refers specifically to the abrupt and potentially rude quality of someone's voice or writing.

clipped tone

Suggests a sharp and abrupt way of speaking, implying efficiency but possibly also impatience.

laconic communication

Highlights the use of very few words, often suggesting a reserved or mysterious quality.

pithy approach

Focuses on the conciseness and meaningfulness, often in a clever or witty way.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "terse manner" in a sentence?

Use "terse manner" to describe a communication style that's brief and direct. For example, "The manager delivered the instructions in a "terse manner", leaving no room for questions."

What's a less formal alternative to "terse manner"?

Consider using phrases like "brief style" or "short manner" for a less formal context. These alternatives convey brevity without implying potential abruptness.

How does "terse manner" differ from "succinct manner"?

"Terse manner" implies brevity and directness, potentially bordering on rudeness or unfriendliness. In contrast, "succinct manner" suggests clarity and efficiency without the negative connotation.

Can "terse manner" be considered negative?

Yes, "terse manner" can be perceived negatively if the brevity is excessive or lacks politeness. It's important to balance conciseness with consideration for the recipient's feelings and needs.