a quick conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

"a quick conversation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a short, informal discussion between two or more people, usually about something casual or inconsequential. For example, "We had a quick conversation about the upcoming picnic before we said goodbye."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

After a quick conversation, I asked him to join me.

The Washington Post

A quick conversation with Lorkowski revealed interests typical of a soon-to-be seventh grader.

The New York Times - Sports

After a quick conversation, Sherrena hung up and looked at her husband.

The New Yorker

We just ask to have a quick conversation with you beforehand.

The Economist

Then, afterward, in a quick conversation with a reporter, he added: "This is surreal.

The New York Times

We had a drink and a quick conversation, and he was off.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"It was a very quick conversation," Mr. DeBattista recalled.

The New York Times

Making the plans, Ms. Goyal said, was "easy, a simple, quick conversation on the phone".

The New York Times

Be respectful and charismatic-compliment them, ask them how their day is going, know what is going on around town to strike up a very quick conversation.

WikiHow

It was an urgent and quick conversation about one of our dogs, Penny.

Huffington Post

Erin became a Mum at 26 and although she had a fantastic support system around her, Erin couldn't help but notice the lack of positive support for the Mums throughout the process of birth and post-birth other than a few quick conversations with maternal health nurses.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a quick conversation" to indicate an informal and brief exchange, suitable for settings where time is limited or the topic is not complex. For instance, "We had a quick conversation about the project timeline before the meeting."

Common error

Avoid using "a quick conversation" in highly formal or professional documents. Opt for phrases like "a brief consultation" or "a short discussion" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick conversation" functions as a noun phrase, where "quick" modifies the noun "conversation". It typically serves as the subject or object of a verb, describing an instance of brief communication. As Ludwig suggests, this phrase is used in a grammatically correct and understandable manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

13%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quick conversation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to depict a brief and informal exchange. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is perfectly acceptable for use in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia contexts, this phrase serves to quickly describe an event where two or more people interacted briefly. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "brief consultation" in professional settings to maintain an appropriate tone. Common alternatives include "a brief chat" or "a short discussion".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief chat

Replaces "conversation" with a more informal term, chat, emphasizing the casual nature of the exchange.

a short discussion

Substitutes "conversation" with "discussion", focusing on the exchange of ideas or information.

a fleeting dialogue

Uses "fleeting" to emphasize the brevity of the conversation and replaces "conversation" with dialogue.

a rapid exchange

Highlights the speed of the interaction, replacing "conversation" with "exchange."

a brief word

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on a short verbal interaction.

a fast talk

Emphasizes the speed and informality of the conversation.

a moment's chat

Highlights the brevity of the conversation, framing it as a short, informal interaction.

a short confab

Uses a less common word, "confab", to describe a brief and informal conversation.

a speedy consultation

Emphasizes the efficiency and purpose of the conversation, suggesting a focused exchange.

a cursory parley

Indicates a superficial and brief negotiation or discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "a quick conversation" to describe a brief, informal exchange, like: "I had "a quick conversation" with my boss about the new project."

What are some alternatives to "a quick conversation"?

Alternatives include "a brief chat", "a short discussion", or "a fleeting dialogue", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "a quick conversation" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a quick conversation" may be too informal for highly formal writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "a brief consultation" or "a concise discussion".

What's the difference between "a quick conversation" and "a long discussion"?

"A quick conversation" implies a brief, often casual exchange, while "a long discussion" suggests a more extended and in-depth conversation. The choice depends on the duration and depth of the interaction.