a quick word

USAGE SUMMARY

"a quick word" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to quickly introduce a brief comment or statement. For example, "A quick word about the meeting—I think we should reschedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just a quick word.

The New Yorker

A quick word on guilt.

The New Yorker

A quick word.

The Guardian

A quick word about the methodology.

The New York Times

A quick word about violence.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A quick word on the Challenge Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

A quick word here on Chelsea.

The Guardian - Sport

Just a quick word of advice: don't.

The Guardian - Music

Now for a quick word about the Libyan wireless business.

The New York Times - Magazine

Fulton ignores him but the umpire has a quick word.

The Guardian - Sport

A quick word on the differences between guilt and shame.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a quick word" to smoothly transition into a brief, often related, but slightly tangential point within your writing or conversation. This helps maintain flow while adding pertinent information.

Common error

Avoid beginning too many sentences with "a quick word". While effective occasionally, overuse can make your writing seem disjointed and repetitive. Vary your introductory phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quick word" primarily functions as an introductory phrase. It serves to signal a brief, often related, comment or statement. Ludwig's examples show it commonly introduces digressions or brief explanations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quick word" is a common and grammatically sound introductory phrase used to signal a brief comment or statement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts, mainly in news and media. While versatile, it's best used to add concise information without disrupting the main flow, and avoiding overuse is recommended. Alternatives include phrases like "a brief comment" or "a short note", depending on the specific intent. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse writing and speaking scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief comment

Replaces "word" with "comment", emphasizing the brevity of the remark.

a short note

Substitutes "word" with "note", suggesting a written or spoken message of limited length.

a brief remark

Replaces "word" with "remark", highlighting the act of making a short observation.

a quick statement

Emphasizes the declarative nature of the short communication.

a short aside

Indicates that the comment is a deviation from the main topic.

a passing thought

Highlights the fleeting nature of the comment.

a brief interjection

Suggests that the comment is an interruption or insertion into a conversation.

a short speech

This indicates a very condensed version of a standard delivery.

a quick chat

Highlights the informal and conversational nature of the communication.

a small point

Highlights the unimportance/irrelevance of the issue to be raised.

FAQs

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

You can use "a quick word" to introduce a brief comment or statement, often as a transition. For example, "A quick word about the budget – we need to review it carefully."

What are some alternatives to "a quick word"?

Alternatives include "a brief comment", "a short note", or "a passing thought", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a quick word"?

It's appropriate to use "a quick word" when you want to briefly address something without derailing the main topic, or when you have a short but relevant point to add.

Is "a quick word" formal or informal?

"A quick word" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings, although more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "a brief statement" or similar phrases.