too brief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too brief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks sufficient detail or is shorter than desired. Example: "The report was too brief to provide a comprehensive understanding of the project's outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But it was too brief.

The New York Times

It's been all too brief.

The Guardian - Sport

It may prove rather too brief.

The Economist

But his stage time is too brief.

The New York Times

As an album, it's too brief.

The New York Times - Arts

The relationship was all too brief, however.

The New York Times

He was here too brief a time.

The New York Times

Another drought morning after a too brief dawn downpour,.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

He provides an all-too-brief dose of wild agitation in a long-winded production.

The New York Times - Arts

But that would only be like getting a bonus ball in a too-brief game.

The New York Times - Arts

"Rooms" is a portrait of strangled emotions, desperate outbursts and all-too-brief respites.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "too brief", consider clarifying what specifically is lacking. For instance, instead of saying "The summary was too brief", specify "The summary was too brief to cover all the key findings".

Common error

Avoid using "too brief" without providing context. Without specifying what needs more detail or duration, the phrase becomes vague and unhelpful to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "too brief" is to act as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something as lacking sufficient length, detail, or duration. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, highlighting its descriptive capability. The Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "too brief" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to express that something is lacking in length, duration, or detail. As the Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for diverse writing contexts. While versatile, remember to add context and specify what aspect is insufficient to avoid vagueness. Consider synonyms like "too short" or "insufficiently detailed" depending on the nuance you aim to convey. Based on the analysis of numerous examples, its presence is particularly strong in News & Media and Scientific sources, making it a reliable and adaptable expression in various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

too short

Focuses on the physical length or duration being insufficient.

insufficiently detailed

Highlights the lack of comprehensive information or explanation.

excessively concise

Emphasizes the extreme brevity, potentially at the expense of clarity.

unduly short

Implies that the shortness is inappropriate or unwarranted.

regrettably short

Expresses disappointment or regret about the briefness.

lamentably brief

Conveys sorrow or grief over the short duration or extent.

all too fleeting

Emphasizes the quick and transient nature of something.

alas, too short

Adds an element of sorrow or disappointment to the shortness.

tragically short

Highlights the negative consequences or sadness associated with the brevity.

painfully brief

Suggests that the brevity causes discomfort or distress.

FAQs

How can I use "too brief" in a sentence?

You can use "too brief" to describe something that lacks sufficient detail or is shorter than desired. For example: "The explanation was "too brief" to fully understand the concept."

What are some alternatives to using "too brief"?

Alternatives to "too brief" include "too short", "insufficiently detailed", or "excessively concise", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "too brief" or "too short"?

The choice between "too brief" and "too short" depends on what you are describing. "Too brief" often refers to a lack of detail or explanation, while "too short" refers to physical length or duration. They are interchangeable depending on the context.

What does it mean when something is described as "too brief"?

When something is described as "too brief", it means it is shorter than necessary or lacks sufficient detail. It suggests that more information or a longer duration would be beneficial.