cursory exchange

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cursory exchange" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or superficial interaction or conversation between people. Example: "Their meeting was nothing more than a cursory exchange of pleasantries before they moved on to more pressing matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Garbed in the traditional Tiboli dress called nedem, they sat there, exchanging cursory glances at each other.

Unicef

A cursory read through the exchange paints Swinton as responsibly conscious in asking the hard questions about race.

Huffington Post

Dr Gilman settled charges in exchange for a cursory penalty; Mr Martoma denies the charges and awaits trial.

The Economist

So, at least, the exchange appears on a cursory reading.

The New Yorker

It is traditionally a time of piety and festivity, but beyond the Ramadan wishes she and others exchanged, the uprising dominated the most cursory of conversations.

The New York Times

Apparently, the NYSE has been pitching reporters on stories about how the exchange is basically kicking NASDAQ's butt for these tech company listings, and after a cursory Google search I found a few glowing posts that could have been the products of these NYSE pitches.

TechCrunch

"My interest was cursory".

The New York Times

A cursory nod encouraged.

The New York Times

But it's pretty cursory.

The New Yorker

Their handshake was cursory.

The New York Times - Sports

The exchange was virtually unregulated until the 1930s, and for decades after that it was a "self-regulatory" organization that monitored and supervised its own trading under the sometimes cursory supervision of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cursory exchange", ensure the context clearly indicates both the brevity and the superficial nature of the interaction to fully convey the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "cursory exchange" to describe interactions that have deeper implications or consequences. The phrase implies a lack of serious engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cursory exchange" functions as a noun phrase, where "cursory" modifies the noun "exchange". It describes the type of interaction or communication that occurred, indicating that it was brief and lacking depth. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cursory exchange" describes a brief and superficial interaction. Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically correct, but examples are missing, therefore it's difficult to accurately define usage patterns. Alternative phrases such as "brief interaction" or "superficial exchange" may be considered depending on the context. When using "cursory exchange", clarity and context are key to effectively conveying the intended meaning of a brief and shallow interaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief interaction

Focuses on the shortness of the interaction, omitting the nuance of superficiality.

superficial exchange

Highlights the lack of depth in the interaction, downplaying the brevity.

passing exchange

Emphasizes the fleeting nature of the interaction.

quick conversation

Replaces "exchange" with a more common term for verbal interaction.

perfunctory interaction

Indicates that the interaction was carried out with minimal effort or enthusiasm.

glancing exchange

Implies a fleeting and insubstantial interaction.

shallow dialogue

Emphasizes the lack of depth and substance in the conversation.

hasty communication

Focuses on the speed and lack of thoroughness in the exchange.

minimal interaction

Highlights the limited amount of communication or contact.

fleeting dialogue

Stresses the momentary and transient nature of the conversation.

FAQs

How can I use "cursory exchange" in a sentence?

You can use "cursory exchange" to describe a brief, superficial interaction. For example, "Their meeting was marked by a "cursory exchange" of pleasantries before the main discussion."

What are some alternatives to "cursory exchange"?

Alternatives include "brief interaction", "superficial exchange", or "passing exchange", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "cursory" mean in the context of "cursory exchange"?

"Cursory" means hasty, superficial, or not thorough. It implies that the exchange was done quickly and without much attention to detail or depth.

Is "cursory exchange" a formal or informal phrase?

"Cursory exchange" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for use in professional or academic writing, but potentially less common in everyday conversation.