a quick stroke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quick stroke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a brief action or movement, often in relation to art, sports, or writing. Example: "With a quick stroke of the brush, the artist added the final touches to the painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We topped up his water bowl and placed him back in his crate for the long journey home, but not before the woman, who'd just done the same with her new kitten, had a chance to have a quick stroke as well.

Huffington Post

Strolling up the stairs to the studio, she can pop open the top half of a Dutch door, allowing one of her horses to meander over and poke his or her head in for a quick stroke on the nose or an equine treat.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Painting Materials" is an overhead view of brushes, each described with a few quick strokes of paint, a tin of white lead and a can of mineral spirits, seen from the vantage of the painter standing over them.

The New York Times

She's extravagant in her demeanor, and she and Mr. Hill sketch a modern Ophelia with a few quick strokes.

The New York Times - Arts

Often, the feminine is evoked only by a torso deftly indicated by a few quick strokes.

The New York Times

With a few quick strokes of his pen, Thomas Jefferson outlined a master vision: the single word "President" above the future location of the White House, and another word, "Capitol," to the east.

The New Yorker

She had a flair for rendering unforgettable detail in a few quick strokes — the little girl in Brazil "quite covered with crawling and scratching marmosets"; the snail "as large as a French roll," moving in a "very dignified" fashion.

The New York Times - Books

The Mets' lead disintegrated with a few quick strokes.

The New York Times - Sports

As Chuck squirmed in the employee's steady grip, Ms. Hochul gave the groundhog a few quick strokes with her hand.

The New York Times

With a few quick strokes of their keyboard, attackers are accessing and publishing droves of personal information about their targeted victims, including details such as home addresses, names of children and family members, email addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, driver's licenses and a bottomless well of other sensitive data points.

Forbes

3. Stir the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture in a few quick strokes.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical actions, consider using "a quick stroke" to convey efficiency and speed, particularly in contexts like painting, sports, or delicate procedures.

Common error

Avoid using "a quick stroke" excessively; vary your language to maintain reader engagement. Consider using synonyms like "swift movement" or "rapid motion" to prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick stroke" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a preposition or verb, describing a swift and efficient action. As evidenced by Ludwig, it typically modifies verbs like "perform", "use" or "apply".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a quick stroke" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a swift and efficient action. While relatively rare in occurrence, as per Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media, as well as in wiki-based how-to guides. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with its primary function of conveying efficiency and precision. If desired, consider alternatives such as "a swift movement" or "a rapid motion" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a swift movement

Focuses on the speed and action, less specific than "a quick stroke".

a rapid motion

Highlights the fast pace of the action, similar in meaning.

a brief swipe

Implies a light and fast action across a surface.

a fast gesture

Emphasizes the speed of a movement or signal.

a fleeting touch

Highlights the brief and delicate nature of the action.

a short dash

Suggests a quick and energetic movement.

a brisk flick

Conveys a sharp and rapid movement.

a hasty application

Focuses on the speed of applying something.

an immediate action

Stresses the promptness of the action.

a momentary contact

Emphasizes the brief duration of the touch.

FAQs

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

You can use "a quick stroke" to describe a swift, efficient action, such as "With "a quick stroke" of the brush, she finished the painting" or "The doctor performed "a quick stroke" to test his reflexes".

What can I say instead of "a quick stroke"?

You can use alternatives like "a swift movement", "a rapid motion", or "a brief swipe" depending on the context.

Is "a quick stroke" formal or informal?

"A quick stroke" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, be mindful of the specific audience and adjust your language accordingly.

What does "a quick stroke" imply?

"A quick stroke" typically implies an action that is performed swiftly and efficiently. It can also suggest precision and skill, especially in contexts where the action requires expertise.