a swift scan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a swift scan" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a quick examination or review of something, such as a document or data. Example: "Before making a decision, I conducted a swift scan of the report to identify any key issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But a swift scan through the record books takes us back two decades to the 1986-87 competition.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the same way a baby can scan the face of a stranger and make a swift moral judgement, so too we '90s kids scanned the face of Robin Williams and decided over and over again: This guy isn't bullshit.

Huffington Post

Last May, the organizers of a Swift concert used AI technology to surreptitiously scan the faces of concertgoers.

Huffington Post

On 3 occasions, the area of low uptake had decreased from one PET scan to the next (Table), when a swift increase in uptake then ensued.

Acta Orthopaedica

Within a few weeks, my life went from normal to a series of scans, tests and biopsies, leading to a swift diagnosis.

The Guardian - Opinion

If someone tapped you on the shoulder and asked you about propping open the "doors of perception", you'd look at them, scan their flip-flops, guess their favourite album was Bob Marley's Legend and probably make a swift exit.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A Swift machine.

The Economist

There was a swift apology.

The Guardian

A swift escalation.

The Guardian

– was met with a swift "no".

The Guardian - Film

Chemotherapy is a swift, sure stylist.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a swift scan" when you want to convey a sense of speed and lack of thoroughness in an examination or review. It's suitable for situations where a detailed analysis isn't necessary or possible.

Common error

Avoid using "a swift scan" when the situation calls for a comprehensive and detailed analysis. This phrase implies a cursory look, which may not be appropriate for critical tasks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a swift scan" functions as a noun phrase, where "swift" modifies the noun "scan". It indicates a quick or rapid examination or review. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a swift scan" is a grammatically correct noun phrase indicating a quick and superficial examination or review. Ludwig AI identifies it as usable in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. While not a very common phrase, it effectively communicates the speed and lack of thoroughness of the scan. Alternatives such as "a quick glance" or "a cursory review" may be used depending on the desired nuance. Ensure its appropriateness by considering the context and desired level of detail in the analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a quick glance

Emphasizes the brevity and superficiality of the observation.

a brief overview

Highlights the summarization aspect of the review.

a cursory review

Stresses the lack of thoroughness in the examination.

a rapid assessment

Focuses on the speed and evaluative nature of the review.

a fast check

Underscores the speed and simplicity of the verification.

a speedy examination

Highlights the promptness of the inspection.

a fleeting look

Emphasizes the momentary and transient nature of the observation.

a hasty perusal

Suggests a rushed and somewhat careless reading.

a superficial inspection

Indicates a lack of depth in the examination.

a once-over

Informal term for a quick and general look.

FAQs

How can I use "a swift scan" in a sentence?

You can use "a swift scan" to describe a quick examination or review. For example, "I gave the document "a swift scan" to check for any obvious errors."

What phrases are similar to "a swift scan"?

Similar phrases include "a quick glance", "a brief overview", or "a cursory review". These all suggest a rapid and not very detailed examination.

When is it appropriate to use "a swift scan"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that you are only performing a quick, high-level review and not delving into the details. Consider using "a thorough investigation" if a detailed analysis is needed instead.

Is "a swift scan" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral in tone. While suitable for general communication, more formal contexts may benefit from alternatives like "a rapid assessment" or "a preliminary review", depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.