a quick note

USAGE SUMMARY

"a quick note" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you are writing a brief message or reminder. For example, "I wanted to leave you a quick note to say I'll be a few minutes late to our meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just a quick note.

The New York Times

— HELENE COOPER DES MOINES — A quick note of thanks here.

The New York Times

First up, I'd like a quick note of thanks.

The New Yorker

But a quick note on some methodological thoughts.

The New York Times

Just a quick note on the euro situation.

The New York Times

Before closing, a quick note for next time.

The Guardian - Books

A quick note on the potential sale of Sterling Cooper.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Meanwhile, just a quick note on the jobs report; not good, of course.

The New York Times

A quick note on an important subtopic in this sad affair.

The New Yorker

And now for something completely different — actually just a quick note.

The New York Times

M: Before I answer the question, a quick note on form.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a quick note" to introduce information that you want to communicate efficiently without going into extensive detail.

Common error

Avoid using "a quick note" when the information you're about to provide requires detailed explanation or analysis. Choose a different introductory phrase that doesn't suggest brevity if the content is lengthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick note" functions as an introductory phrase, often used to signal that the following information will be brief and concise. Ludwig confirms this is a common and acceptable way to start a message.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quick note" is a versatile phrase used to introduce brief and concise information. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts but is also applicable in science and business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the information you are presenting is indeed brief, and consider the formality of your audience. Alternatives like "a brief message" or "a short memo" can be used depending on the situation. Using "a quick note" effectively helps set the right expectations for your audience regarding the length and depth of the information you are about to share.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief message

Focuses on the message being short.

a short memo

Implies a written communication that is concise.

a fast reminder

Highlights the act of reminding someone quickly.

a swift communication

Emphasizes the speed and efficiency of the message.

a prompt notification

Suggests an immediate alert.

a concise statement

Highlights the brevity and clarity of the message.

a fleeting mention

Suggests a brief and passing reference.

a rapid dispatch

Implies the quick sending of information.

a hurried remark

Emphasizes the rushed nature of the comment.

a passing comment

Highlights the casual and brief nature of the comment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a quick note" to preface a brief announcement or reminder. For example, "A quick note: the meeting has been moved to 3 PM."

What are some alternatives to "a quick note"?

Some alternatives include "a brief message", "a short memo", or "a fast reminder", depending on the context.

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

While generally acceptable, consider the formality of your audience. In very formal contexts, alternatives like "please note" or "for your information" might be more suitable.

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

"A quick note" is used for short, concise information, while "a detailed explanation" implies a comprehensive and thorough discussion of a topic.