A quick explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A quick explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to provide a brief and concise clarification or description of a topic. Example: "Before we dive into the details, let me give you a quick explanation of the project's objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

A quick explanation of the 'amp' is that a current of 1 A generates a power of 1 W in a conducting element to which a voltage of 1 V is applied.

Nature

A quick explanation is probably in order for people who have not handled the camera.

TechCrunch

A quick explanation: I'm working on a fuller write-up about the first TechCrunch Pitch! event in London last night, which will appear on TechCrunch.com.

TechCrunch

So here's a quick explanation.

The Guardian - Opinion

As teammates saw him crying, he cracked a quick explanation.

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't want to give a quick explanation," Bishop Murphy said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Finally, pictures need a very quick explanation, otherwise they will distract readers.

Forbes

A number of people have asked me for a quick, easy explanation of the difference between a government and a family — basically, what's wrong with the argument that when times are tough the government should tighten its belt.

The New York Times

They said they had found no quick explanation for the crash of the helicopter, a UH-1H, or "Huey," that was trying to land after a routine training flight with four men aboard.

The New York Times

The formula to use when calculating loan payments is M = P * ( J / (1 - (1 + J -N)).. Follow the steps below for a detailed guide to using this formula, or refer to this quick explanation of each variable: M = payment amount.

WikiHow

The quick explanation for such political transvestism is that Russia's quadrennial election season has begun.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "A quick explanation" when you need to provide a brief understanding of a concept before delving into more complex details. It's perfect for setting the stage without overwhelming your audience.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "A quick explanation". Vary your introductory phrases to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A quick explanation" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an introductory element within a sentence or paragraph. It signals that a concise overview or clarification will follow. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "A quick explanation" is a commonly used phrase to introduce a brief overview or clarification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and usable expression. It serves to provide context without overwhelming the audience with excessive details. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media, but also appears in scientific and wiki contexts. When writing, remember to vary your introductory phrases to avoid sounding repetitive. Consider alternatives like "a brief rundown" or "a short summary" for stylistic diversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A brief rundown

This alternative replaces "explanation" with "rundown" focusing on providing a summary.

A short summary

This phrase substitutes "quick explanation" with a more direct term, "short summary", emphasizing brevity.

An overview

Using "an overview" is a succinct way to offer a general perspective on a subject.

A concise account

This option employs "concise account" to highlight the brief and factual nature of the description.

A thumbnail sketch

This alternative creates a visual metaphor, suggesting a brief and simple depiction.

A simplified version

This option indicates that the explanation will be presented in a less complex manner.

In brief

This phrase introduces a short and to-the-point explanation.

A basic clarification

This option specifies that the explanation will cover fundamental aspects.

A nutshell version

This alternative uses a common idiom to convey the idea of a very concise summary.

The gist of it

This phrase refers to the main point or essence of something, offered briefly.

FAQs

How can I use "A quick explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "A quick explanation" to introduce a brief overview or clarification before providing more detailed information. For example, "A quick explanation: the process involves several steps."

What's a good substitute for "A quick explanation"?

Alternatives to "A quick explanation" include "a brief overview", "a short summary", or "in brief". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "A quick explanation is"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, and the verb "is" agrees with the singular noun "explanation". For example, "A quick explanation is necessary before we proceed."

What is the difference between "A quick explanation" and "A detailed explanation"?

"A quick explanation" implies a brief and concise overview, while "A detailed explanation" suggests a thorough and comprehensive analysis. Choose the phrase that best aligns with the depth of information you intend to provide.