a quick sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quick sign" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a brief or simple indication or signal, often in contexts where speed or brevity is important. Example: "Please give me a quick sign when you're ready to start the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

On Wednesday, they gathered, about two dozen strong, at the Hewar Art Gallery, where one of the gallery directors, Qasim Alsabti, painted a quick sign to be draped over the entrance, announcing the new "Headquarters for the Iraqi Society of Plastic Artists".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

To get started, business owners who newly discover the app through the Apple App Store, can just sign up for QuickBooks Online while being walked through a quick sign-up flow where they enter in their business's name and upload a logo.

TechCrunch

"Enough of this," the sniper crowed, "there are Ukrainians waiting to be killed!" She flashed a quick victory sign and stuck out her tongue.

Vice

In any event, at midnight last Sunday, after a final round of discussions with buyers, Mr. Morales and the apartment owner selected a "well qualified" buyer who agreed to a quick contract signing and closing.

The New York Times

Over the weekend I organised a quick petition signed by more than 50 high-profile women, from Helena Kennedy, Shami Chakrabarti, Stella Creasy and Bianca Jagger to Jeanette Winterson, Tracy Chevalier and Sandi Toksvig, asking the BBC male hierarchy not to just automatically give the job to a male without even contemplating alternatives.

The Guardian - Opinion

In that last case, Gladwell acknowledges the success of the campaign, but counters that it came only because "friends" on Facebook, Twitter and the rest were only asked to do something incredibly quick (signing a register, giving) and with very little personal risk.

TechCrunch

"It enables people to sign up to the scheme, with a quicker, easier sign-up process and supply-chain systems in place".

The Guardian

The quick signing of Holmes was typical of Mike Tannenbaum, the team's general manager, who has a reputation as a wheeler-dealer unafraid to pursue high-priced players, even those with question marks off the field.

The New York Times - Sports

It uses the same layout and quick sign-up flash-based registration form as the U.S. site.

TechCrunch

The biggest selling point for many of these customers is not just the feature set SendHub offers, but the quick sign-up process.

TechCrunch

These faith leaders called for the quick signing and ratification of the Paris Agreement and for leaders to make the drive for 1.5°C a priority.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a quick sign" to describe an action, ensure that the context clearly indicates what the sign signifies. For example, "She gave a quick sign of agreement" is clearer than "She gave a quick sign."

Common error

Avoid using "a quick sign" when the sign is complex or requires detailed explanation. This phrase is best suited for simple, easily understood signals. If the sign requires more elaboration, opt for phrases like "a brief explanation" or "a concise summary."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick sign" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "quick" modifies the noun "sign". It describes the type of sign being referred to, emphasizing its speed or brevity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a quick sign" is a grammatically correct and very common way to describe a brief or rapid indication, signal, or gesture. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is used across various contexts, especially in news and media, and serves to emphasize the speed and efficiency of the communication. While versatile, it's best used for simple and easily understood signals. Alternative phrases such as "a brief indication" or "a rapid signal" can be used depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief indication

Emphasizes the shortness of the indication, rather than the action of signing.

a short signal

Highlights brevity in length.

a rapid signal

Highlights the speed with which the signal is given.

a swift signal

Highlights the action's speed and efficiency.

a momentary indication

Highlights that the indication happens in a brief moment.

a speedy notification

Focuses on the promptness of being notified.

a fast cue

Implies a signal that's given quickly as a prompt.

a prompt notification

Focuses on the timeliness of the notification.

a fleeting gesture

Conveys a sign that is quick and not lasting long.

a hasty indication

Implies that the sign was given quickly and maybe carelessly.

FAQs

What does "a quick sign" mean?

The phrase "a quick sign" refers to a brief indication, gesture, or signal used to communicate something rapidly or without much elaboration. It implies efficiency and speed in conveying a message.

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

You might say, "He gave "a quick sign" to start the meeting" or "She offered "a quick sign" of approval with a nod."

What are some alternatives to "a quick sign"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a brief indication", "a rapid signal", or "a speedy notification" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a quick sign" or should I use a different phrasing?

The phrase "a quick sign" is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its appropriateness depends on the situation, but it's a perfectly acceptable way to describe a brief or rapid signal.