a quick retort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quick retort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a fast or witty response to a comment or question, often in a conversation or debate. Example: "When he made a sarcastic remark, she had a quick retort ready that left everyone laughing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The letter brought a quick retort from City Hall.

The New York Times

Keller was ready with a quick retort, heard it inside his head, but his lips couldn't form the words.

The New Yorker

The 18-year-old has a quick retort: "I am a woman but I am also an athlete.

The Guardian - Sport

Facebook had a quick retort: It posted its own study, which it said used the same methodology to forecast that by 2021, Princeton would have no students.

Princeton University

Graham issued a quick retort, noting in a statement, "It's unrealistic to expect President Obama would acknowledge his signature issue is failing.

The Washington Post

At Webb's Barbershop, Shan Charles, a salesman for Frito-Lay and a Navy reservist, responded to a barber's disapproving comment about the spending request with a quick retort.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The comment was greeted with a smiley and quick retort "Don't jump the gun" from my partner.

Huffington Post

Tease Felicia, and she would come back with a quick, witty retort, said Alissa Compitello, 17, a senior.

The New York Times

Asked if he would submit to a random test of marijuana, Goodell did not hesitate, drawing a hearty laugh from the media with his quick retort.

Huffington Post

As for the new venture's name, when I suggested ClownCo was available to an exec from one of the companies, the quick retort was "that worked out pretty well".

The Guardian

But the grin, the quick retort, the casual sense of the absurd, the reverence for truth are still there.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a quick retort" to depict an immediate and clever response in conversations or written narratives to add dynamism.

Common error

Avoid using "a quick retort" to justify unnecessarily harsh or offensive responses. The phrase implies cleverness, not rudeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick retort" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes the type of response given, emphasizing its speed and cleverness. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing interactions and debates.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quick retort" is a noun phrase used to describe an immediate and clever response, frequently found in news and media. While grammatically correct, its frequency is uncommon, according to Ludwig. The phrase aims to highlight intelligence and speed in conversations or debates. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability, emphasizing that it depicts a clever response, not necessarily an aggressive one. When aiming for alternatives, consider phrases like "a swift comeback" or "a snappy response" to achieve a similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a swift comeback

Emphasizes speed and directness in responding.

a snappy response

Highlights the brisk and energetic nature of the reply.

a sharp reply

Indicates that the answer is acute and insightful.

a witty rejoinder

Focuses on the humorous and clever nature of the response.

an immediate answer

Stresses the promptness of the response.

a prompt response

Highlights the timeliness and readiness of the reply.

a ready answer

Focuses on the preparedness and availability of the answer.

a fast reply

Simple and direct alternative, highlighting speed.

an on-the-spot response

Highlights the immediacy and spontaneity of the response.

an impromptu comeback

Suggests that the response was given without prior planning.

FAQs

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

You can use "a quick retort" to describe someone's immediate and clever response. For example, "She delivered "a quick retort" that silenced the heckler".

What is the difference between "a quick retort" and "a witty comeback"?

While both imply a clever response, "a quick retort" emphasizes the speed and immediacy, while "a witty comeback" focuses on the humor and cleverness of the response.

What are some synonyms for "a quick retort"?

Alternatives include "a swift reply", "a snappy response", or "a sharp comeback", each highlighting slightly different aspects of the response.

Is it always appropriate to give "a quick retort"?

No, giving "a quick retort" is not always appropriate. Consider the context and your audience. A more thoughtful or empathetic response might be better in some situations.