In brief means in a few words, with only the main points. In brief, we need another room and two more volunteers: that's the whole message. It also labels short reports: news in brief. It sounds neutral, so it works in emails, essays and speech.
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In brief, + summary / explain or describe + something + in brief
- In brief, we need another room and two more volunteers.
- The notice describes the new parking arrangements in brief.
- Here is the week's news in brief, starting with the library reopening.
What changed
First versionShortly speaking, the trial worked, but the equipment was too expensive.
RevisionIn brief, the trial worked, but the equipment was too expensive.
Brief means short, so shortly looks like a natural partner: shortly speaking. But shortly is about time, not length: shortly after lunch means soon after lunch. To introduce a summary, use in brief or in short.
In short also means in a few words, but it usually wraps up what was already said: In short, it was a disaster. In brief can also describe the format: describe the plan in brief. The opposite is in detail.
Your turn
Choose the natural opening: ___, the trial worked, but it cost too much.
Show the answer
In brief — The sentence needs a summary opener, and that's In brief. Shortly means soon and doesn't introduce a summary.
Sum up a work meeting in one sentence: start with in brief and keep only the main decision.
In brief, the exhibition will open on Saturday, with free entry for local schools.
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