a quick drink

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quick drink" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief or informal gathering to consume beverages, often in a social context. Example: "After work, let's stop by the bar for a quick drink before heading home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was having a quick drink with a client.

The New Yorker

A few days later, they met for a quick drink at a bar in Brooklyn.

The New York Times

We stop in one of the restaurants for a quick drink.

The Economist

The concentrate can be diluted with either cold or hot water for a quick drink.

The New York Times - Food

Work together during the day, pop out for a quick drink after work, Bob's your uncle.

Independent

We would use the time to snatch a quick drink or maybe smoke a joint.

The Guardian - Opinion

After a quick drink, I offered to go out front and get us a cab.

The New Yorker

That October, they met for what he thought would be a quick drink at a pub in Sloane Square.

The New York Times

When we grab a quick drink in the local pub, she's utterly focused in her dismissal of Zac.

Independent

But with barely enough time for a quick drink of water, he had to put his catcher's gear back on.

The New York Times - Sports

The pub simply gives the message that it's OK to stop off for a quick drink during the drive home.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a quick drink" in your writing, ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of a brief, casual, and often social consumption of a beverage. Avoid using it when referring to substantial or formal drinking occasions.

Common error

Avoid using "a quick drink" in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more formal alternatives like "a brief refreshment" or "a short beverage consumption" to maintain the appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a quick drink" is that of a noun phrase. It functions as a noun because it represents a thing or concept (the act of having a drink). The adjective "quick" modifies the noun "drink", indicating its brief duration. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quick drink" is a very common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a brief and informal occasion for consuming beverages. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media sources, and is generally considered neutral to informal in register. When writing, it's best to reserve "a quick drink" for casual contexts, opting for more formal alternatives like "a brief refreshment" in professional or academic settings. While it refers to informal gatherings, this phrase can refer to either alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Remember to consider your audience and the context when deciding whether "a quick drink" is the most appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a swift beverage

Replaces 'quick' with 'swift', emphasizing speed and brevity of the drinking experience.

a snatched drink

Implies the drink is taken quickly because of limited time or opportunity.

a brief refreshment

Substitutes 'drink' with 'refreshment', making it slightly more formal and emphasizing the revitalizing aspect.

a light drink

Emphasizes the small quantity or mild nature of the drink itself.

a speedy refresher

Combines the ideas of speed and revitalization, more suitable for non-alcoholic beverages.

a passing drink

Suggests the drink is part of a brief stop or encounter.

a short libation

Uses 'libation', which implies an alcoholic drink and adds a touch of formality or humor.

a fleeting tipple

Adds a sense of indulgence and informality, 'tipple' suggesting an alcoholic drink.

a fast gulp

Focuses on the act of drinking quickly, suitable when emphasizing the speed of consumption.

a hurried sip

Similar to 'fast gulp', but implies a smaller amount and more delicate action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a quick drink" to describe a short, informal social gathering where beverages are consumed. For example: "After the meeting, let's go for "a quick drink" at the pub."

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

You can use alternatives like "a swift beverage", "a brief refreshment", or "a short libation" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Which is correct, "a quick drink" or "a fast drink"?

"A quick drink" is more idiomatic and commonly used than "a fast drink". While "fast" can describe the speed of drinking, "quick" more appropriately modifies the event itself, implying a short duration.

Is "a quick drink" only used for alcoholic beverages?

No, "a quick drink" can refer to any beverage, alcoholic or non-alcoholic. The phrase emphasizes the brevity and informality of the occasion rather than the specific type of drink.