a quick thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quick thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a task or action that is expected to take a short amount of time. Example: "I just need to do a quick thing before we head out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It's such a quick thing.

Independent

MR. LEHRER -- A quick thing on the inheritance tax.

The New York Times

"It's not a quick thing for women," she told me.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Just a quick thing," he says to Ferguson, using a serious, professional tone.

The New Yorker

He was trying to do a quick thing for a very particular context – a physics lab.

The Guardian - Tech

It's not a quick thing and it's to do with expectation.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

As I've made more I've managed to make them a bit more smooth, but I try not to do too much to the images because the idea has always been for this to be a fairly quick thing.

Vice

"Internet, I just need a few quick things for an article I'm writing," I'd reply.

TechCrunch

Here's the initial note I sent to her last night with more reactions to her piece: A couple quick things to note: – Inhofe used a Senate floor speech to attack my book for young adults on Arctic climate change without reading it.

The New York Times

A few quick things: this new Like button now appears to be the same size as both the Buzz and new Tweet buttons (and it looks more like each of them) — something which publishers will definitely appreciate.

TechCrunch

Oh, and one quick thing: she's a girl.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a quick thing", ensure the context clearly indicates what the 'thing' refers to. If the 'thing' is ambiguous, provide more specific details for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a quick thing" in highly formal or professional writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound informal. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "a brief matter" or "a simple task".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick thing" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a sentence or clause. It refers to an action, task, or item that is expected to be completed or addressed rapidly. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quick thing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, particularly in news and media contexts. It is used to convey that a task or action will be brief and efficient. While versatile, it's best to avoid it in formal settings in favor of more precise language. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides examples of its use in real-world contexts. If the term seems ambiguous, consider adding more detail for clarity. Alternatives like "a brief task" or "a simple matter" can offer a more professional tone when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief task

Emphasizes the short duration of the task.

a rapid task

Replaces "quick" with "rapid", emphasizing the speed of the task.

a swift matter

Replaces "quick" with "swift" and "thing" with "matter", offering a slightly more formal tone.

a speedy action

Substitutes both "quick" and "thing" with "speedy" and "action", respectively, focusing on swiftness.

a short activity

Highlights the limited time needed for the activity.

a fast job

Uses simpler words like "fast" and "job" to convey the same meaning.

a momentary thing

Focuses on the fleeting nature of the action.

a fleeting act

Conveys a sense of transience in the performance.

a simple task

Focuses on the uncomplicated nature of the task, rather than its speed.

an easy matter

Highlights the lack of difficulty involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "a quick thing" to refer to something that will take a short amount of time. For example, "I just need to do "a quick thing" before we leave".

What are some alternatives to "a quick thing"?

Some alternatives to "a quick thing" include "a brief task", "a simple matter", or "a speedy action".

Is it appropriate to use "a quick thing" in professional emails?

While grammatically correct, using "a quick thing" may sound informal in professional emails. Consider alternatives like "a brief inquiry" or "a short request" depending on the context.

Can "a quick thing" be used for tasks that are actually complex?

No, "a quick thing" should only be used for tasks that are genuinely expected to be fast and simple. Using it for a complex task could mislead the listener or reader.