a quick spell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quick spell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a short period of time or a brief duration during which something happens or is done. Example: "I just need a quick spell to finish this report before the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He bowled a quick spell of 3-16 in eight overs in the morning session to bowl Surrey back into the game at 398-6 - but the Bears tail wagged effectively as they posted their highest total in two years - and the joint eighth best in their history.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If you aren't sure about your spelling or grammar, try typing it into Word or Google Docs to get a quick spelling and grammar check.

WikiHow

Many shoppers find it easy to do a quick spelling and grammar check by copying and pasting their narratives into a Word document (though know that this isn't always 100% correct).

WikiHow

Winter hardly scrapes the city -- a quick cold spell occasionally bruises the semitropical greenery or fades a camellia blossom -- but the departure of cooler weather has little to do with the fun that follows.

The New York Times - Travel

After its quick spell in bankruptcy, CIT needs a motivated financial technocrat, not an expert in the art of corralling bankers with big egos.

The New York Times

He bowled one good, quick spell on Saturday evening, but on Sunday he struggled to bowl the right length and finished with figures of 1-93 off 23 overs.

BBC

Devised by teachers and academics, it's lean and straight to the point, with everything you need to know to get a good grade, including required jargon, tips, poetry appreciation, syllabuses, orals, course-work, quick spelling and grammar fixes.

Independent

"He's bowled some really quick spells.

BBC

On the first day of class, she gave them a quick diagnostic spelling test of 50 words followed by tips for improving their spelling.

The New York Times

Not only was it fast, it was genuinely dangerous (and everyone should read Christian Ryan's wonderful, impressionistic essay on the quickest spell Jeff Thomson ever bowled for an idea of how it must have felt to bat in that era).

The Guardian - Sport

I caught up with selector Geoff Marsh at the conclusion of the a match in which Lee had broken Jo Angel's forearm, terrorised Damien Martyn and Adam Gilchrist and bowled the quickest spell I'd ever seen, and said quite simply but half-jokingly: 'Swamp, pick him or I'm out, pal!

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a quick spell" to describe a brief period or duration, especially when referring to weather, sports activities, or a short break from an activity.

Common error

Avoid using "a quick spell" when describing something that is intended to be long-lasting. The phrase implies brevity and should not be used for extended periods.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a quick spell" is to act as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, typically describing the duration or nature of an event or activity. As Ludwig AI states, it’s a valid English phrase, though not very common.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a quick spell" is a grammatically sound but relatively uncommon way to describe a short period of time or duration. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and can be effectively used to describe brief periods in sports, weather, or short breaks from activities. While versatile, it is essential to ensure that the context aligns with the implication of brevity, and formal writing may benefit from alternatives like "a brief period" or "a short interval".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief period

Replaces 'quick' with 'brief', emphasizing the short duration.

a short interval

Substitutes 'spell' with 'interval', providing a more formal tone.

a fleeting moment

Uses 'fleeting' instead of 'quick' to highlight the transient nature.

a momentary lapse

Emphasizes a short break or interruption with 'lapse'.

a swift duration

Replaces 'quick' with 'swift' to indicate speed and 'spell' with duration.

a passing phase

Uses 'passing phase' to suggest a temporary condition or state.

a short stint

Replaces 'spell' with 'stint', commonly used in professional contexts.

a rapid burst

Emphasizes suddenness and intensity with 'rapid burst'.

a temporary stretch

Replaces 'spell' with 'stretch', suggesting a continuous period.

a prompt session

Uses prompt to indicate fast or immediate and session referring to a period devoted to a particular activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a quick spell" to describe a short period during which something occurs. For example, "He bowled "a quick spell" of 3-16 in eight overs."

What are some alternatives to "a quick spell"?

Alternatives include "a brief period", "a short interval", or "a fleeting moment". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a quick spell" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a quick spell" may be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. Consider using "a brief period" or "a short duration" for a more formal tone.

What does "a quick spell" mean in the context of sports?

In sports, particularly cricket, "a quick spell" often refers to a short period of intense bowling or play. It emphasizes both the brevity and the impact of the performance.