a quick aside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quick aside" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to introduce a brief comment or remark that is not the main focus of the discussion. Example: "Before we continue with the main topic, I’d like to make a quick aside about the recent developments in our industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

She peeled off for a quick aside.

The New York Times

Then, a quick aside: "John was a huge help on this movie".

The New York Times

On Sunday in Baltimore, in a quick aside after his third weekend save, Rivera crystallized what must happen.

The New York Times - Sports

A quick aside about Bully Mission: I went to Hawaii thinking I'd write a straight-up police procedural — you know, "CSI: Monk Seal".

The New York Times - Magazine

More of his expert analysis on Google's new designs:  A quick aside about all of the designs that we've been seeing today.

The Guardian - Tech

Occasionally, a quick aside will suggest that there is more to their story with the Adamses, though what that is remains untold.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

After a day enjoying the city and if we can just add as a really quick aside, it turns out that Liverpool=GOAT place in the UK it was time to make our way to the club.

Vice

As a quick related aside, it's worth noting that Fidzup does not work with the thousands of partners an ad exchange or demand-side platform most likely would be.

TechCrunch

(As a quick excusatory aside, this doesn't mean I think it's useless, of course: The tool they've created will make it a snap to find that one picture of your friend on that camping trip in July of 2009 (or was it 2010)?

TechCrunch

Discussing both films, Edward Norton speaks with the intelligent consideration that's a hallmark of his career, occasionally cut by a quick, funny aside.

Los Angeles Times

A musical comedy that delights in the pun, the groaner and the quick aside, the show is sometimes far from great.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a quick aside" to add context or clarify a point without disrupting the main flow of your writing or speech. It's a useful way to provide additional information that might be relevant but not central to the discussion.

Common error

Avoid using too many asides in a single piece of writing, as this can make your work feel disjointed and difficult to follow. Use them sparingly and only when they genuinely enhance the reader's understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick aside" functions as an introductory element, signaling a brief digression or supplementary comment. It prefaces information that is related but not central to the main point. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quick aside" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase utilized to introduce a brief digression or supplementary piece of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile enough for both spoken and written communication, predominantly appearing in news and media contexts. When incorporating "a quick aside", it's vital to avoid overuse and guarantee that the extra information truly enhances the reader's understanding. For alternatives, you may consider /s/a+brief+digression or /s/a+side+note depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief digression

Focuses more on the deviation from the main topic, emphasizing the temporary shift in focus.

a small digression

Similar to "a brief digression", but emphasizes the size of the shift away from the main topic.

a short interjection

Highlights the interruption aspect, suggesting a sudden and brief insertion of a comment.

a passing remark

Emphasizes the casual and fleeting nature of the comment.

a side note

Indicates that the information is supplementary and not essential to the main point.

a quick parenthesis

Implies the information is enclosed or separate from the main flow of thought.

a tangential comment

Suggests the comment is related but not directly relevant to the primary topic.

a supplementary point

Highlights the added value or extra information being provided.

an incidental observation

Emphasizes the accidental or unplanned nature of the remark.

a fleeting thought

Implies a short-lived and perhaps spontaneous idea.

FAQs

How can I use "a quick aside" in a sentence?

You can use "a quick aside" to introduce a brief digression or additional information related to the main topic. For example, "Before we move on, just /s/a+quick+aside for those unfamiliar with the term."

What is the purpose of using "a quick aside"?

The purpose of using "a quick aside" is to offer extra context, clarification, or a related thought without derailing the main argument or narrative. It’s like adding a footnote in spoken language.

Are there any formal alternatives to "a quick aside"?

While "a quick aside" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives include /s/a+brief+digression, "a short interjection", or /s/a+side+note depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a quick aside" always necessary in writing?

No, "a quick aside" is not always necessary. It should only be used when the additional information significantly enhances the reader's understanding or provides valuable context. Overuse can make your writing feel cluttered.