a quick check

USAGE SUMMARY

"a quick check" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a brief inspection of something. For example, "I'll just do a quick check to make sure everything is working correctly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then, a quick check of some papers.

The New York Times

A quick check on the internet revealed the same stats.

The Guardian - Sport

Run a quick check to identify where potential challenges lie.

Harvard Business Review

We decided to make a quick check of a few nations.

The New Yorker

After a quick check of inventory, the salesman returns to say the Acers are all gone.

The New York Times

A quick check with Interpol reveals that he is still not on its fugitive list.

The Economist

A quick check that you have your pass, a glance into your bag.

The Economist

A quick check of national figures online would have made clear that this wasn't right.

The New York Times

A quick check showed that G.E. has at least 10 Facebook pages and 10 Twitter feeds.

The New York Times

(And a quick check online suggests prices are about the same, or in some cases, lower).

The New York Times

A quick check on Google would have shown this to be a hoax.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a quick check", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being checked and why. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a quick check" without specifying what is being checked. For example, instead of saying "I did a quick check", specify "I did a quick check of the inventory" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

A quick check primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to the act of briefly examining something. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quick check" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that refers to a brief examination or verification. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and finds extensive use across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and wiki sources. While it conveys efficiency and immediacy, it's essential to provide context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "a swift examination" or "a brief inspection" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to clearly specify what is being checked to ensure your writing remains precise and informative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a swift examination

Emphasizes the speed and efficiency of the examination process.

a rapid assessment

Highlights the fast-paced evaluation of something.

a brief inspection

Focuses on the limited duration and nature of the inspection.

a cursory review

Implies a superficial and not very detailed review.

a fast verification

Highlights the quick confirmation of something's accuracy.

a short investigation

Focuses on the brevity of the investigative process.

a speedy audit

Emphasizes the quick and efficient auditing process.

a preliminary scan

Indicates an initial and quick overview.

a spot check

Refers to a random and immediate verification.

a trial run

Focuses on a preliminary test or evaluation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a quick check" to describe a brief examination or verification. For example, "I performed "a quick check" of the system logs to identify any errors."

What are some alternatives to "a quick check"?

Alternatives include "a swift examination", "a brief inspection", or "a cursory review", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a quick check" or "quick check"?

While "quick check" can be used, "a quick check" is often preferred in formal writing because it follows standard article usage before a noun phrase.

What does "a quick check" imply about the thoroughness of the examination?

Using "a quick check" implies that the examination is not comprehensive or detailed. It suggests a brief and superficial assessment.