a quick explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quick explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to provide a brief and concise clarification or description of a topic. Example: "Before we dive into the details, let me give you a quick explanation of the main concepts involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

So here's a quick explanation.

The Guardian - Opinion

As teammates saw him crying, he cracked a quick explanation.

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't want to give a quick explanation," Bishop Murphy said.

The New York Times

Let me give you a quick explanation of why I think it's a fairly minor factor.

The New York Times

First, a quick explanation from the filmmakers as to why they were not included in the show.

Independent

"I need your best electric screwdriver," she told him after a quick explanation of the problem (me).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Finally, pictures need a very quick explanation, otherwise they will distract readers.

Forbes

A number of people have asked me for a quick, easy explanation of the difference between a government and a family — basically, what's wrong with the argument that when times are tough the government should tighten its belt.

The New York Times

The formula to use when calculating loan payments is M = P * ( J / (1 - (1 + J -N)).. Follow the steps below for a detailed guide to using this formula, or refer to this quick explanation of each variable: M = payment amount.

WikiHow

The quick explanation for such political transvestism is that Russia's quadrennial election season has begun.

The New York Times

(Quick explanation: the forces of chaos and law are at war, Corum is on the side of law, the Mabden are on the side of chaos. Chaos initially sounded more fun, I thought, but we later learn it's actually not: if you support it, you turn into a weirdo half-animal thing and have to drink sour wine to cheer yourself up).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a quick explanation" to efficiently address common misconceptions or frequently asked questions. This shows you anticipate your audience's needs and value their time.

Common error

While "a quick explanation" is helpful for initial understanding, avoid relying on it as a substitute for thorough analysis, especially when dealing with nuanced or controversial subjects. Ensure that your summary does not oversimplify to the point of distortion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick explanation" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a lead-in to providing concise information or clarification. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It prepares the audience for a simplified overview.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

16%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a quick explanation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used way to introduce a brief overview or clarification. Ludwig's analysis and examples highlight its versatility in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's useful for setting the stage, it's essential to avoid oversimplification and to use it appropriately when a more detailed analysis isn't required. Remember to tailor your summary to the audience and the topic at hand for the best effect. It's always a good idea to replace it with one of the given alternatives when it feels repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an abbreviated explanation

Indicates that the explanation has been shortened.

a concise summary

Highlights the act of condensing information into a few words.

a succinct description

Highlights that a portrayal is concise and clearly expressed.

a short overview

Emphasizes a general survey of a topic without going into deep detail.

a rapid rundown

Conveys the sense of providing information extremely quickly.

a brief account

Focuses on providing a short summary of events or facts.

a distilled account

Focuses on presenting the most important parts after removing the unnecessary details.

a simple breakdown

Stresses simplifying complex information for easy understanding.

an abridged version

Implies a shortened form of something longer.

a thumbnail sketch

Suggests a very brief, almost incomplete, portrayal.

FAQs

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

You can use "a quick explanation" to introduce a brief overview of a topic before going into more detail. For instance, "Before we begin, here's "a quick explanation" of the project's goals".

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

You can use alternatives like "a brief overview", "a short summary", or "a concise description" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a quick explanation"?

It's appropriate to use "a quick explanation" when you need to provide a simplified understanding of a complex topic, address common misconceptions, or give context before diving into specifics. It is also useful when dealing with time constraints.

What's the difference between "a quick explanation" and "a detailed analysis"?

"A quick explanation" offers a brief overview, while "a detailed analysis" involves a comprehensive examination of a subject, exploring all aspects and nuances. The first is for introductory purposes, the second for in-depth understanding.