terse prose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terse prose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe writing that is brief and to the point, often lacking unnecessary words or embellishments. Example: "The author's terse prose effectively conveyed the urgency of the situation without any superfluous details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Film

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

At the other extreme was Hemingway, whose terse prose fixated on the setting and actions of his characters.

The New York Times - Magazine

And when I wasn't fumbling, I was melding my semi-memorized version with the playwright's, mangling Ms. Wohl's terse prose into something resembling third-grade Esperanto.

The New York Times

Last year our reviewer, Michael Gorra, found this to be an uneven novel, but said Naipaul's "terse prose works, as always, to imply a world in a phrase".

The New York Times - Books

While there's something to be admired about a script that's unwilling to make things overly easy for the viewer, Sorkin's terse prose and immediacy assumes enormous prior investment and an unwavering interest in the cult of Apple.

The Guardian - Film

Though it's sobering to think how much longer "The Cold Six Thousand" would have been if Ellroy hadn't opted for this terse prose style -- the book often seems less a novel than an epic telegram.

The New York Times - Books

In terse prose, Joly spells out just how and why it was such a grim ordeal to be sealed into a steel hulk and sent out to face superior arms and equipment across acres of baking wilderness.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Written in terse, hypnotic prose, this moving novel by a recent….

The New Yorker

Oh, and Hemingway is excellent for the kind of terse, impactful prose many projects require.

The Guardian

Written in terse, hypnotic prose, this moving novel by a recent Noble laureate is set in a Russian Gulag at the end of the Second World War.

The New Yorker

Written in terse, hypnotic prose, this moving novel by a recent… If you are a Marvel fan, then "The Avengers" will feel like Christmas.

The New Yorker

The resulting terse, concentrated prose is concrete and unemotional yet is often resonant and capable of conveying great irony through understatement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "terse prose", ensure that brevity does not sacrifice clarity. The writing should be concise yet easily understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "terse prose" to the extent that the writing becomes cryptic or lacks necessary context. Provide enough information for the reader to fully grasp the intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terse prose" functions as a descriptive term, combining an adjective ("terse") with a noun ("prose") to characterize a specific writing style. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing various authors' styles, highlighting brevity and conciseness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Books

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terse prose" describes a writing style characterized by brevity and conciseness. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in a variety of sources, particularly in news and media. While "terse prose" can be effective in conveying information efficiently, it's important to ensure that clarity and context are not sacrificed for the sake of brevity. Alternative phrases like "concise writing" or "succinct writing" can be used to express similar ideas. It is a descriptor with a neutral to professional register, suitable for objective analysis of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concise writing

Focuses on the brevity and directness of the writing style.

succinct writing

Emphasizes the compactness and lack of unnecessary elements in the writing.

brief writing

Highlights the short and condensed nature of the text.

compact prose

Stresses the dense and efficient use of language in the writing.

laconic prose

Suggests a style that uses very few words, often implying a sense of reserve or understatement.

pithy prose

Emphasizes the use of short, meaningful statements that are full of substance.

economic writing

Highlights the efficient use of words, avoiding waste or redundancy.

streamlined prose

Indicates a smooth and efficient style, free of unnecessary complexity.

to-the-point writing

Focuses on directness and clarity, avoiding digressions or embellishments.

lean prose

Emphasizes the absence of unnecessary words, resulting in a spare and efficient style.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "terse prose" in my writing?

Use "terse prose" to convey information directly and efficiently, avoiding unnecessary words or elaborate descriptions. This style is particularly effective when brevity is valued, such as in news reporting or technical documentation.

What are some alternatives to "terse prose"?

You can use alternatives like "concise writing", "succinct writing", or "brief writing" to describe writing that is brief and to the point.

In what contexts is "terse prose" most appropriate?

"Terse prose" is well-suited for situations where clarity and efficiency are paramount, such as in legal documents, news headlines, or technical manuals. It is less appropriate for creative writing or persuasive essays where detailed descriptions and emotional appeals are necessary.

What is the difference between "terse prose" and "dry prose"?

"Terse prose" focuses on brevity and directness, while "dry prose" refers to writing that is factual and unemotional. Although they can overlap, "terse prose" is primarily concerned with conciseness, while "dry prose" is concerned with objectivity and lack of embellishment.