a quick foray

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quick foray" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or temporary venture into a particular activity or area, often implying exploration or experimentation. Example: "After a quick foray into the world of painting, she decided to take a class to improve her skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The most recent incursion here was a quick foray overnight Saturday.

The New York Times

But a quick foray on the Gransnet forums proves that this is not the case at all.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So there's a lot to enjoy here, as long as you don't mind taking a quick foray through the quicksand of the northeast, and covering your eyes and ears at 10 Across.

The New York Times

And tourists are staying there longer – enjoying the region's beaches, hilltop villages, art-filled towns and great outdoors for their own sake, rather than making a quick foray from Umbria or Abruzzo.

The Guardian - Travel

After a leisurely lunch, and a quick foray into a quaint shop or two (one is hardly at a loss to find a nice wooly sweater or scarf), head to the Close, the area around the cathedral separated by a wall.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Then, as if to balance out this quick foray into confrontational talk, he added, "I also wanted a building that spoke of resiliency and uplift".

The New Yorker

It showed that Israel, despite international criticism, was not prepared to retreat from a new policy of making quick forays into Palestinian autonomous zones when it feels there is a military need.

The New York Times

Hamburg make an immediate foray into the City box.

The Guardian - Sport

Intended to be kept by the back door, this bag means a gardener's tools are always on hand for quick forays into the garden.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expect more quick forays into Afghanistan by American special forces.

The New York Times

What is enticing media firms to a location that combines a high cost of living with strict press controls?One advantage is that Abu Dhabi is well positioned for journalists to make quick forays into less comfortable places like Iran and Iraq.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a quick foray", ensure the context clearly indicates the brevity and exploratory nature of the venture. It is suitable for describing initial or short-term engagements with a subject or activity.

Common error

Avoid using "a quick foray" to describe long-term or significant commitments. This phrase denotes a brief and often tentative engagement, not a sustained effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick foray" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective, describing a brief or short-term venture. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quick foray" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a brief or exploratory venture. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the short-term and exploratory nature of the described activity. For more formal settings, alternatives like "a preliminary probe" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief excursion

Replaces 'foray' with 'excursion', suggesting a slightly more recreational and less purposeful venture.

a short venture

Uses 'venture' instead of 'foray', implying a potentially risky or uncertain undertaking of short duration.

a swift expedition

Substitutes 'foray' with 'expedition', giving a sense of a more organized and purposeful short journey.

a momentary exploration

Emphasizes the exploratory aspect of the activity, highlighting its brief duration.

a passing investigation

Suggests a quick and superficial look into something, focusing on the investigative aspect.

a rapid incursion

Implies a sudden and brief entry into a territory or activity, often with a sense of assertiveness.

a fleeting attempt

Highlights the short-lived nature of the effort, focusing on the attempt itself.

a short-lived endeavor

Replaces 'foray' with 'endeavor', suggesting a more serious and planned, but still brief, undertaking.

a cursory examination

Focuses on the superficial nature of the activity, emphasizing the lack of in-depth analysis.

a preliminary probe

Suggests an initial and tentative investigation, often as a precursor to more detailed work.

FAQs

What does "a quick foray" mean?

The phrase "a quick foray" refers to a brief or short-lived attempt, venture, or exploration into a particular area or activity. It suggests a limited and often initial engagement.

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

You can use "a quick foray" to describe someone's initial experience or a short-term involvement in something. For instance, "After "a quick foray" into gardening, she realized it wasn't for her."

What are some alternatives to "a quick foray"?

Alternatives to "a quick foray" include "a brief excursion", "a short venture", or "a swift expedition", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a quick foray" in formal writing?

While "a quick foray" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "a preliminary probe" or "a cursory examination" might be more suitable in academic or professional contexts where precision is valued.