a quick scan

USAGE SUMMARY

"a quick scan" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to something, such as an image or document, that does not require a thorough examination. For example, "I did a quick scan of the emails to see if there was anything important I needed to respond to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sewel should give Vice a quick scan.

Independent

A quick scan turns up more than 70.

The New York Times

Before I embark I do a quick scan of online guides to learning poetry by heart.

The Guardian - Books

A quick scan of the papers demonstrates that most experts are still mystified by this team.

The Guardian - Sport

It was always going to be a quick scan, nothing serious.

The Guardian - Sport

A quick scan reveals that your toe is just bruised, not broken.

The Guardian - Tech

The ayes had it, a quick scan of the room made clear, 90 to 11.

The New York Times

A quick scan around the internet reveals these lateral-thinking gems.

The Guardian

"I can't see anything from a quick scan of Scottish Cup and FA Cup finals".

The Guardian - Sport

You can save the free version to your desktop and run a Quick Scan.

The Guardian - Tech

A quick scan of the ingredients revealed the trace presence of milk.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing reviewing something and need to emphasize the rapidity of the process, consider using "a quick scan".

Common error

Avoid using "a quick scan" when the situation requires a more detailed or comprehensive examination. Using it inappropriately can downplay the importance of careful analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick scan" functions as a noun phrase often used as the object of a verb. It typically describes the act of performing a brief, non-thorough review or examination. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quick scan" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a brief and efficient review or examination. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English and suitable for various contexts. Primarily found in news and media, but also utilized in science and business, its neutral tone ensures effective communication across different registers. For those seeking alternative expressions, consider options like "a brief overview", "a cursory look", or "a swift check" to add nuance to your writing. Remember to reserve "a quick scan" for scenarios where a swift, rather than an in-depth, analysis is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cursory look

Implies a superficial examination without deep analysis.

a swift check

Highlights the speed and efficiency of the examination.

a brief overview

Focuses on providing a summary of the main points.

a fast review

Stresses the speed and iterative nature of the examination.

a rapid assessment

Emphasizes evaluating something quickly.

a once-over

Indicates a quick and informal inspection.

a brief perusal

Implies a casual and rapid reading.

a glimpse

Suggests a very brief and incomplete view.

a preliminary examination

Focuses on the initial stage of a more thorough investigation.

a snapshot

Highlights capturing an overview in a single moment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a quick scan" to describe a brief examination. For example, "I gave the document "a quick scan" before the meeting".

What is a synonym for "a quick scan"?

Alternatives to "a quick scan" include "a brief overview", "a cursory look", or "a swift check". Choose the option that best fits the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a quick scan" versus a more detailed examination?

Use "a quick scan" when a fast, non-thorough review is sufficient. For detailed analysis, use terms like "a thorough examination" or "a comprehensive review".

What does "a quick scan" imply about the depth of analysis?

"A quick scan" implies a superficial analysis. It suggests that the examination is brief and not intended to uncover detailed information.