as a quick burst

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a quick burst" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that happens suddenly and briefly, often referring to an action or event that is intense but short-lived. Example: "The fireworks lit up the sky as a quick burst of color, captivating everyone in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As a quick burst, though, the peninsula offers good accessibility and a rich display of wildlife.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the fourth movement a melody in the violas swelled and shrank, as if catching itself, followed by a quick burst of Tom-and-Jerry humor that gave way, just as suddenly, to a simple, folklike idiom.

The New York Times - Arts

He's got a quick burst that allows him to hit that hole as soon as the linebacker commits".

The New York Times - Sports

8. Pause for more country dancing around the kitchen table and a quick burst on the fiddle (as it were).

The Guardian

WASHINGTON — By a single vote, Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked an expansive fiscal stimulus package championed by Democrats, as partisan rancor engulfed the effort to inject a quick burst of spending into the slowing economy.

The New York Times

One benefit of the film-based electrodes is that their large surface area relative to their volume allows electron carriers such as lithium to ferry charges out quickly, providing a quick burst of power.

Science Magazine

And then he gave a quick burst of his siren as a farewell to the group.

Los Angeles Times

The original members had just recently shaken off military dictatorships that were as suspicious of each other as of competition and free markets, and the result was a quick burst of growth.

The New York Times

Some rights reserved A quick burst of links for you to chew over, as picked by the Technology team.

The Guardian

A quick burst of 8 links for you to chew over, as picked by the Technology team.

The Guardian - Tech

A quick burst of 6 links for you to chew over, as picked by the Technology team Um.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a quick burst" when you want to convey that something happens suddenly and for a limited time. It's effective in describing actions, events, or even emotional states that are intense but short-lived.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "as a quick burst" can sound less formal. In professional or academic writing, consider using more precise language like "a brief surge" or "a short period of activity" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a quick burst" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that the action is carried out suddenly and for a short duration, similar to a burst. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe events, actions, or expenditure.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Tech

33%

Sports

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a quick burst" is a grammatically sound way to describe something that happens suddenly and briefly. According to Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial phrase, emphasizing speed and brevity. While correct, it's relatively rare and may sound less formal in certain contexts. Consider more precise alternatives like "a brief surge" for professional or academic writing. Common sources include news outlets such as The Guardian and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a sudden surge

Emphasizes the abruptness and intensity of the event.

in a short spurt

Highlights the brief duration and concentrated effort.

in a fleeting moment

Focuses on the brevity of the event.

in a rapid flash

Underscores the speed and visual nature of the event.

in a swift motion

Focuses on the quickness and efficiency of the action.

for a split second

Implies an extremely brief duration, shorter than a moment.

in a heartbeat

Indicates something happening almost instantaneously.

momentarily

A single adverb to describe something lasting only for a moment.

briefly

Single word that implies for a very short time.

for a little while

Emphasizes the short duration of an action or state.

FAQs

How can I use "as a quick burst" in a sentence?

Use "as a quick burst" to describe something happening suddenly and briefly. For example, "The runner demonstrated "a quick burst of speed" at the finish line."

What can I say instead of "as a quick burst"?

You can use alternatives like "a sudden surge", "a brief spurt", or "a fleeting moment" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in a quick burst" instead of "as a quick burst"?

While "as a quick burst" is acceptable, "in a quick burst" is more common and often sounds more natural. Both can convey a similar meaning of sudden, short-lived action.

What's the difference between "as a quick burst" and "a short burst"?

"As a quick burst" describes something happening like a burst, emphasizing the manner. "A short burst" refers directly to the burst itself as a noun. The former focuses on the characteristic of being quick and sudden, while the latter focuses on the event.