a quick question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quick question" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you need to ask a short, concise question. For example, "I have a quick question: When is the deadline for submitting our project?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Have a quick question?

Columbia University

AUDIENCE: Just a quick question.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It also raises a quick question.

The New York Times - Style

Can I ask you a quick question?" "Shoot".

The New Yorker

Have a quick question and need an immediate answer?

Columbia University

Have a quick question about your major or classes?

University of California, Berkeley

Have a quick question about admission to Columbia Engineering?

Columbia University

A quick question: What is the starting taxi fare in your city?

The New York Times

QUESTION FROM DAVID: I'll ask a quick question before my next class.

The New Yorker

"Lashandra, could I ask you a quick question?" "Sure, sir. Anything at all".

The New Yorker

For a quick question, send us an email or stop by and ask a peer adviser.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “a quick question” to signal that you'll be brief, respecting the other person's time. This is particularly useful in professional settings.

Common error

While acceptable, repeatedly using “a quick question” in formal writing can sound repetitive. Instead, vary your introductions to questions or integrate them more smoothly into the text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick question" functions primarily as an idiomatic introduction to an inquiry. It signals to the listener or reader that the question will be brief and to the point. As Ludwig indicates, it's a correct and acceptable way to preface a question.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

36%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a quick question" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce an inquiry, suitable for various contexts ranging from academic to journalistic. As Ludwig confirms, it serves to signal brevity and respect for the recipient's time. While highly versatile, varying your introductory phrases may be beneficial in very formal writing. The phrase's prevalence across authoritative sources like The New York Times and Forbes underscores its wide acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short question

Substitutes 'quick' with 'short', maintaining the meaning of brevity.

a fast question

Uses 'fast' instead of 'quick', implying speed.

a brief inquiry

Replaces 'question' with 'inquiry', suggesting a slightly more formal tone.

a simple question

Replaces 'quick' with 'simple', focusing on the ease of the question.

can I ask you something

Similar to 'may I ask something' but more informal.

a small question

Uses 'small' to emphasize the minor nature of the question.

may I ask something

Changes the structure to a polite request to ask a question.

if I may ask

A polite and somewhat formal way to preface a question.

just wondering

A more casual way to introduce a question, implying curiosity.

got a question

A very informal and direct way to ask if one can pose a question.

FAQs

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

You can use "a quick question" to preface an inquiry, such as: "I have "a quick question" about the project deadline." Or, "Can I ask "a quick question" regarding the budget?"

What is a more formal alternative to "a quick question"?

For a more formal approach, consider phrases like "I have "a brief inquiry"" or "May I ask "a question"?" These options maintain politeness while elevating the tone.

Is it okay to use "a quick question" in an email?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to use "a quick question" in an email, especially if you want to indicate that you'll be concise and respectful of the recipient's time. However, consider your audience and the overall formality of the email.

What's the difference between "a quick question" and "a simple question"?

While both phrases suggest the question won't be overly complex, ""a quick question"" emphasizes the brevity of the interaction, whereas "a simple question" focuses on the ease of understanding the question itself.