a quick cup of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quick cup of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief or casual coffee or tea break, often implying a short duration. Example: "Let's grab a quick cup of coffee before the meeting starts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I'm off for a quick cup of tea.

The Guardian - Sport

They prefer to go to Starbucks for a quick cup of coffee and a biscuit.

The New Yorker

PARTICIPANTS in Fosterfields Living Historical Farm's new cooking series, "The Wood Stove Cook," should not arrive craving a quick cup of coffee.

The New York Times

But patients who can't feel their feet tend to take off the boot and hobble to make a quick cup of tea.

The Guardian - Opinion

At Dunkin' Donuts on Route 1 in Guilford, a group of women gather most weekday mornings for a quick cup of coffee after exercising at Club Fitness.

The New York Times

Then, after a quick cup of coffee, I puttered to shore aboard the skiff for an easy stroll up a spongy hillside and along the banks of a stream roiled by spawning pink salmon.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

And then, after an awkward bagel or quick cup of coffee, they go.

Huffington Post

Another quick cup of coffee at a deli before touring two pickle production factories in Brooklyn Terminal Market.

Huffington Post

If he can't respect that, he shouldn't get to have any part of you -- no conversation, no quick cups of coffee, no hookups, no social media pings, no texts, nothing.

Huffington Post

A quick side-of-the-coffee-cup calculation shows that, taken altogether, I am sitting within walking distance of 763,000 quadrillion gallons of booze, give or take a shot.

Huffington Post

"I can't see anything from a quick scan of Scottish Cup and FA Cup finals".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a quick cup of" to denote a short, informal break for coffee or tea. It's suitable for everyday conversations and casual writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a quick cup of" in formal documents or business reports. Opt for more professional alternatives like "a brief coffee break" or "a short refreshment period".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick cup of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as an object in a sentence. It describes the act of consuming a beverage (coffee or tea) in a short amount of time, as shown in Ludwig's examples like, "I'm off for a quick cup of tea."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a quick cup of" is a common and acceptable way to refer to a brief coffee or tea break. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media, as well as informal contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid using it in highly formal writing, opting for more professional alternatives such as "a brief coffee break". Ludwig's examples demonstrate the phrase's widespread use, making it a readily understandable and appropriate choice for everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief coffee break

Focuses on the short duration of the break involving coffee.

a fast coffee

Highlights the speed of consuming the coffee.

a swift tea

Replaces coffee with tea, emphasizing quickness.

a short tea break

Specifies tea instead of coffee and emphasizes the brevity of the break.

a hurried coffee

Implies the coffee is consumed quickly due to time constraints.

a speedy tea

Similar to "swift tea" but with slightly less formal tone.

a snatched coffee

Suggests the coffee is enjoyed in a rushed or opportunistic manner.

a rapid coffee

Emphasizes the speed of the coffee consumption.

a hasty tea

Indicates a quick and possibly careless preparation or consumption of tea.

a fleeting coffee moment

Highlights the transient nature of the coffee drinking experience.

FAQs

How can I use "a quick cup of" in a sentence?

You can use "a quick cup of" to describe a short break for tea or coffee. For example, "Let's have "a quick cup of" tea before we start the meeting".

What can I say instead of "a quick cup of"?

You can use alternatives like "a brief coffee break", "a short tea break", or "a fast coffee" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a quick cup of coffee" or "a fast cup of coffee"?

Both "a quick cup of coffee" and "a fast cup of coffee" are grammatically correct, but "a quick cup of coffee" is more commonly used and idiomatic.

What's the difference between "a quick cup of coffee" and "a leisurely cup of coffee"?

"A quick cup of coffee" implies a short, rushed break, while "a leisurely cup of coffee" suggests a relaxed and unhurried experience.