terse sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

'terse sentence' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe a sentence that is brief and to the point, using few words but conveying a lot of meaning. Example: "His terse sentence conveyed his anger and frustration without needing any further explanation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The terse sentence is all Modi has so far said publicly.

The Guardian

Any story of a wild animal in a zoo that kills someone is usually accompanied by another terse sentence: "The animal was put down".

The Guardian - Opinion

The subsequent trial, for which full transcripts survive in the Roman archive, elicited from Caravaggio his only known statement on the art of painting, a single frustratingly terse sentence: "In painting a valent'huomo [man of worth] is one who knows how to paint well and imitate natural objects well".

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are long descriptions of the excitement of filming in New York opposite Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail, but a phone call from the director, to tell me that despite being absolutely brilliant, my part had been cut, is dealt with in a terse sentence a month or two later.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

They communicate in terse sentences that might have been lifted from a philosophy primer.

The Economist

In 10 terse sentences, Mr. Bloomberg introduced and thanked the children helping in the ceremony.

The New York Times

It took the official news agency TASS three days to acknowledge, in terse sentences, that there had been an accident.

The New York Times

In a 2007 paper that he co-authored, he summarizes his new view in three terse sentences: "Selfishness beats altruism within groups.

The New Yorker

However, most of Carver's famously terse sentences were his own, as was the hallmark bleak working-class milieu of the short stories.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In half a dozen terse sentences, almost in note form except for their precise language and punctuation, Williams sketched seven centuries of social progress.

The Guardian - Books

The reviewer, Emily Cooke, is entitled to her opinion of Tuck's stories — though I think there is a good deal more self-mockery in these terse sentences than she allows for.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terse sentence" when you want to emphasize the brevity and directness of a statement. It's particularly effective in highlighting impactful communication with minimal wording.

Common error

Avoid using too many "terse sentence" constructs in extended writing. Over-reliance can make the text feel choppy and lack flow. Balance them with more descriptive and elaborate sentences to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terse sentence" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "terse" modifies the noun "sentence". It describes a sentence characterized by its brevity and conciseness. As suggested by Ludwig, it's a correct expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Books

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terse sentence" is a valid and grammatically correct phrase used to describe sentences that are brief and to the point. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it’s most commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and books. While not exceedingly common, its usage is consistent across reputable sources. When using the phrase, remember that while brevity can be effective, ensure the "terse sentence" still conveys the necessary information and doesn't sacrifice clarity for conciseness. Alternatives like "concise statement" or "succinct phrase" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concise statement

Focuses on the brevity and clarity of the statement.

succinct phrase

Emphasizes the compact and meaningful nature of the wording.

brief expression

Highlights the shortness of the communicated thought.

short sharp sentence

Adds emphasis on the directness and impact of the sentence.

compact formulation

Highlights the structured and condensed nature of the phrasing.

pithy remark

Implies the statement is not only brief but also full of substance and wit.

laconic utterance

Suggests a sentence that is brief to the point of being mysterious or unforthcoming.

clipped sentence

Highlights abruptness or brevity, particularly in spoken language or dialogue.

abrupt declaration

Emphasizes the sudden and concise nature of the statement.

minimalist prose

Focuses on the simplicity and lack of embellishment in the writing style, applied to a sentence.

FAQs

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

You can use "terse sentence" to describe writing that is concise and to the point, such as "The author used a "terse sentence" to convey the character's impatience".

What's the difference between a "terse sentence" and a succinct sentence?

While both describe brevity, "terse sentence" implies a blunt or even rude brevity, while a succinct sentence is simply concise and effective.

What can I say instead of "terse sentence"?

You can use alternatives like "concise statement", "succinct phrase", or "brief expression" to describe similar concepts with slightly different connotations.

Is it always a good idea to use a "terse sentence" in writing?

Not always. While brevity can be effective, a "terse sentence" might lack necessary context or nuance. Use it strategically where impact and directness are valued over detailed explanation.