a quick detour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quick detour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief change in direction or plan, often to achieve a specific purpose or to avoid something. Example: "We decided to take a quick detour to visit the scenic overlook before continuing our journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

I'll just take a quick detour through the kitchen.

The New Yorker

He made a quick detour to Duveen's to replenish.

The New Yorker

I just have to make a quick detour to Union Square for fresh sweet peas.

The New York Times - Food

And every so often, he takes a quick detour into jazz piano.

The New York Times

My mother made a quick detour to a Dunkin' Donuts to grab a cup of coffee.

The New York Times

Both teams made a quick detour to play the makeup, caused by a rainout Aug. 19.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Quick detour from a console triumph to recent iOS highlights, what with this being holiday season and everything.

Vice

Resisting the habit of starting at the end and flashing back to the beginning, it begins at the late middle, goes back to the beginning, comes back to the near-end, jumps around in the early and middle middle and then noodles around between a bunch of almost-ends and the really absolutely final end, with a quick, baffling detour into an earlier part of the early middle.

The New York Times

Quick Detours The Speedway is not the only track in town.

The New York Times - Travel

And what better first detour than a quick descent into the Seminary Co-op Bookstore, where I found Green Integer's tiny edition of Islands, a collection of Jean Grenier's lyrical essays, in a neat stack beside the checkout counter.

University of Chicago

Back in then old low tech days, this kind of thing could happen when Fritz, the person who typed up the press release that would go out over the wire or the fax made a short detour to give a quick call to cousin Fred before the appointed release time, and Fred had enough time to call his broker before the company made the official announcement, and the market reacted.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a quick detour", ensure the context clearly indicates the original path or plan from which the deviation is being made.

Common error

Avoid using "a quick detour" when the deviation is significant or long-lasting; opt for phrases like "major change of plans" or "significant alteration" to accurately reflect the scope.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating a brief and incidental deviation from a primary action or course. Ludwig's AI confirms its common usage. It functions to add detail about how an action is performed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quick detour" is a frequently used phrase, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples, to describe a short deviation from a planned route or activity. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts, primarily within News & Media. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context clearly indicates the original path, and the deviation is indeed brief. Alternatives include "a brief diversion" or "a short side trip" for subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief diversion

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the change in direction or plan.

a short side trip

Highlights the aspect of a journey with a minor, additional visit.

a momentary digression

Focuses on the temporary departure from the main topic or path.

a fleeting deviation

Stresses the brevity of the change and its return to the original course.

a swift alteration of course

Highlights the speed and the change in direction.

a fast route change

Indicates a rapid change in the planned route.

a rapid redirection

Highlights the immediacy and shift of focus or direction.

a prompt deviation

Focuses on the quick and immediate alteration.

a speedy diversion

Emphasizes the fast nature of the deviation.

a hurried digression

Conveys a sense of urgency or quickness in the deviation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a quick detour" to describe a short deviation from a planned route or activity, such as, "We took "a quick detour" to see the scenic overlook".

What are some alternatives to "a quick detour"?

Alternatives include "a brief diversion", "a short side trip", or "a momentary digression", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a quick detour" and "a long detour"?

"A quick detour" implies a short, temporary deviation, while "a long detour" suggests a more substantial change in route or plan that takes considerable time or effort.

When is it appropriate to use "a quick detour" instead of "a shortcut"?

"A quick detour" implies going slightly out of the way, often to see something or accomplish something else, while "a shortcut" implies a more direct, faster route to the same destination.