a quick lunch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quick lunch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a meal that is prepared or consumed in a short amount of time. Example: "I only have an hour between meetings, so I’ll grab a quick lunch at the café."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

LUNCH I have a quick lunch.

The New York Times

After a quick lunch, we tour the city.

The Guardian - Travel

Waiter in a quick lunch tells about a hold-up.

The New Yorker

After a quick lunch, the group gathers back in the bus.

The New York Times - Arts

André Leon Talley, journalist "Sneaking out of the office to have a quick lunch at 66".

The New York Times - Magazine

They attend one study hall, eat a quick lunch and practice for four hours.

The New York Times - Sports

One winter day, I was racing from the classroom to the deli for a quick lunch.

The New Yorker

There's just time for a quick lunch in Le Train Bleu, the station's glorious Belle Epoque restaurant.

Independent

After the ceremony, the team hurried over to the hotel's Bull & Bear restaurant for a quick lunch.

The New York Times

At noon he headed off for a quick lunch at the Century Club, two doors down the street.

The New York Times

Bake some up and cut thick slices to go with cottage cheese, goat cheese, or feta for a quick lunch.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add more context, specify what the "quick lunch" consists of. For instance: "a quick lunch of soup and sandwich".

Common error

While "a quick lunch" is perfectly acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing "quick" in formal writing where more sophisticated vocabulary might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "expeditious" or "brief" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick lunch" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as the subject or object in a sentence, describing a type of meal. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quick lunch" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a brief midday meal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, especially in news and media contexts. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "a brief lunch" to add sophistication. Remember to avoid overuse and provide specific details to enhance clarity when writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a speedy lunch

Replaces "quick" with "speedy", emphasizing the fast nature of the lunch.

a hurried lunch

Substitutes "quick" with "hurried", stressing the rushed aspect of the meal.

a brief lunch

Uses "brief" instead of "quick", focusing on the short duration of the lunch.

a fast lunch

Replaces "quick" with "fast", highlighting the speed of the meal.

a prompt lunch

Substitutes "quick" with "prompt", emphasizing the immediacy of the lunch.

a rapid lunch

Uses "rapid" instead of "quick", stressing the fast pace of the meal.

a swift lunch

Replaces "quick" with "swift", highlighting the speed and efficiency of the lunch.

a snatched lunch

Substitutes "quick" with "snatched", focusing on the lunch being taken quickly and perhaps opportunistically.

a short lunch break

Rephrases the idea to focus on the lunch break itself being short.

a working lunch

Suggests that the lunch is consumed while working, implying it's a fast and efficient meal.

FAQs

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

You can use "a quick lunch" to describe a brief meal taken during a short break. For example, "I grabbed "a quick lunch" before the meeting."

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

Alternatives to "a quick lunch" include "a speedy lunch", "a brief lunch", or "a fast lunch" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a quick lunch" is generally acceptable in formal writing, although in some contexts, alternatives like "a brief lunch" might be preferred for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "a quick lunch" and "a working lunch"?

"A quick lunch" refers to a lunch that is consumed rapidly due to time constraints, while "a working lunch" indicates that the lunch is eaten while simultaneously working.