terse speech

USAGE SUMMARY

"terse speech" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who speaks in a brief and to-the-point manner. For example, "Her terse speech made it clear that she was not interested in continuing the conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Open door, close door," she said in the terse speech of no-nonsense Singapore.

The New York Times

Ivan Pereira, a very young man, of slight build and terse speech, was a fervid rooter for the home team.

The New Yorker

Pahlavi plops down in front of it, faces a camera and makes a terse speech to Iranians about nonviolent resistance.

The New York Times - Magazine

Though told in a spare, compressed prose that reflects the terse speech of their immigrant characters, the stories often burst into emotional, metaphorical language.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the feuding partners, the soprano Laura Aikin and the tenor John Mark Ainsley traded angry and sarcastic barbs in terse speech and wide-ranging sung parts.

The New York Times - Arts

He gave a terse speech that repeated many of the themes he has been replaying like a gramophone record throughout the summer, and especially during his bruising fight with the Republicans in Congress over raising the debt ceiling.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Ann Romney was crying while her husband delivered his terse concession speech, not because a majority of Americans voted against his economic policy, but because of the personal — and highly public — rejection of Mitt Romney as their next president.

The New York Times

Terse words were exchanged.

The New York Times

In a terse five-minute speech broadcast nationwide, Temer said he had done nothing wrong, that his presidency was helping turn around Brazil's stalled economy and he welcomed an investigation so that he could prove his innocence.

Huffington Post

He loved the terse form and double-edged speech of blues singers ("their sadness is not softened by tears but hardened by laughter," he said), and he packed jazz rhythms into his varied carols of black life.

The New York Times - Arts

Archival footage, TV appearances, photos, newspaper headlines, terse discussions, inspiring or inflammatory speeches from podiums at huge demonstrations... few stones are left unturned.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terse speech" when you want to emphasize the brevity and directness of someone's communication, often implying a no-nonsense attitude.

Common error

While "terse speech" indicates brevity, ensure it doesn't come across as impolite or dismissive. Context and tone are crucial to avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terse speech" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "terse" modifies the noun "speech". It describes a specific quality or characteristic of communication. Ludwig shows examples where this phrase is used to describe various instances of brief and direct communication.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terse speech" describes communication that is brief and to the point. It's grammatically correct and, according to Ludwig, is characterized by efficiency and a lack of unnecessary elaboration. While generally appropriate for neutral registers, care should be taken to avoid misinterpretations of rudeness. As shown in the examples from Ludwig, this phrase is commonly found in news media and encyclopedic sources. Alternatives include "succinct communication", "brief remarks", and "concise statement", each offering slightly different nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succinct communication

Replaces "speech" with a broader term, "communication", while keeping the brevity aspect.

brief remarks

Uses a more common synonym for "speech" and keeps the brevity element.

concise statement

Emphasizes the clarity and lack of unnecessary detail.

short discourse

A more formal alternative to describe a brief spoken or written communication.

abrupt words

Highlights the potential for curtness or rudeness in the brevity.

pithy language

Focuses on the expressive and memorable quality of the concise communication.

laconic expression

Implies a reserved or understated style of speaking.

clipped tone

Shifts focus to the manner of speaking rather than the content itself.

minimal dialogue

Describes situations where there is very little speaking involved.

direct communication

Focuses on lack of ambiguity, rather than brevity, but can overlap in meaning.

FAQs

What does "terse speech" mean?

"Terse speech" refers to communication that is brief, concise, and to the point, often lacking in extra words or details.

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

You might say, "The negotiator's "terse speech" indicated he was not willing to compromise further."

What are some synonyms for "terse speech"?

Alternatives include "succinct communication", "brief remarks", or "concise statement".

When is it appropriate to use "terse speech"?

It's appropriate in situations where clarity and efficiency are valued, but be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation as rudeness. Consider using a more polite and elaborate way of communication if emotional intelligence is a must, instead.