a quick dash

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quick dash" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or hurried movement, often implying urgency or speed. Example: "I need to make a quick dash to the store before it closes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Even a quick dash outside for a sandwich has become a hazardous expedition.

The Guardian - Business

Suddenly the idea of making a quick dash to the Big Apple seems, well, crass.

The Guardian - Money

There may be tears, and a quick dash to the supermarket for sausages.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Plus, if the weather scuds in, it's a quick dash to the town's aquarium (ilfracombeaquarium.co.uk).

The Guardian - Travel

They are seen as giving Iran the capability to make a quick dash for a nuclear weapon.

The New York Times

The moguls competition is a quick dash down a 270-yard course that resembles an upside-down egg carton.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

To provide a shorter alternative, two versions of a Quick-DASH have been developed with 9 and 11 items respectively [ 19, 20].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Both the original article [ 7] and studies using WOSI translations in Japanese and Italian also found a higher correlation with the DASH and Quick DASH than with other outcome measures (0.77, 0.63, and 0.79, respectively).

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

They also reported on functional improvement in a short term follow-up of 14 months, with an significant improvement in the quick DASH and EQ-5D.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Pain assessment in Quick DASH had a mean value of 1.2 (range1.2).

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

A few moments later, Mr. Lineaux rose a second time, then made a quick, silent dash across the courtroom.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a quick dash" to vividly describe actions where speed and brevity are key, like "He made a quick dash for the door when the phone rang."

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, avoid overusing "a quick dash" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and less colloquial alternatives like "brief movement" or "rapid transition" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick dash" functions as a noun phrase, where "quick" modifies the noun "dash". It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a brief and hurried movement. Ludwig AI also confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quick dash" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a brief and hurried movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's frequently found in news and media contexts, but can be too informal for academic or highly professional writing. Consider alternatives like "brief movement" or "rapid transition" in such situations. Use "a quick dash" when you want to vividly portray speed and brevity in an action, such as "She made a quick dash to the car to escape the rain".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rapid sprint

Emphasizes speed and a short distance covered.

a swift movement

Focuses on the speed and agility of the motion.

a fast run

Highlights the speed of the act of running.

a hurried trip

Stresses the lack of time and need for haste during the journey.

a flying leap

Conveys a sense of urgency and energy in the jump.

a lightning advance

Implies extreme speed and progress forward.

a fleeting visit

Highlights the short duration of the visit.

a brisk walk

Focuses on an energetic and quick pace of walking.

a speedy errand

Emphasizes the swift completion of a task.

a sudden rush

Highlights the unexpected and quick nature of the movement.

FAQs

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

Use "a quick dash" to describe a brief, hurried movement. For example, "I made "a quick dash" to the store before it closed".

What's a more formal alternative to "a quick dash"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "brief movement", "rapid transition", or "swift action" for a more professional tone.

Is "a quick dash" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "a quick dash" might be too informal for academic writing. Opt for more precise and academic alternatives depending on the specific context of your writing, such as "brief excursion".

What's the difference between "a quick dash" and "a leisurely stroll"?

"A quick dash" implies urgency and speed, while "a leisurely stroll" suggests a relaxed and unhurried pace. They are essentially opposites in terms of the movement they describe.