What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shorter
Example
The shorter route will take us through the park. [shorter: adjective]
Example
I wish the meeting was shorter, I have other things to do. [shorter: comparative adjective]
Example
She is shorter than her sister. [shorter: comparative adjective]
briefer
Example
Can you give me a briefer summary of the article? [briefer: adjective]
Example
The meeting was much briefer than I anticipated. [briefer: comparative adjective]
Example
Our conversation was briefer than I would have liked. [briefer: comparative adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shorter is more commonly used in everyday language than briefer. Shorter is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while briefer is more specific to written or spoken communication.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shorter and briefer?
Briefer is generally considered more formal than shorter. It is often used in professional or academic settings to describe concise and efficient communication.
